Yao Ming joins medical game show on TV

Retired basketball star Yao Ming (left) and former gymnast Li Xiaopeng pose for a photo as they join pre-recording of Zhejiang TV's medical game show "Health 007" in Beijing on July 8, 2014. [Photo: people.com.cn]

Former NBA star Yao Ming is testing his qualification to be a medical doctor.

The retired basketball player has joined Olympic-champion gymnast Li Xiaopeng to guest on the new medical TV show, "Health 007" (Jian Kang 007).

The weekly show is a Chinese adaptation of television formats house Small World IFT's show "Doctor What: Diagnosis Unknown", which sees real-life junior doctors analyze and deduce actual cases, and the correct diagnosis is revealed at the end of the show.

The Chinese version incorporates celebrities into the deduction team.

Explaining his guest appearance, Yao Ming said he had paid special attention to health problems because of his sports career. He hopes to contribute to the show with his first-hand exercise experience.

Other celebrities signed up for the show include actor Jia Nailiang and actress Liu Yan.

The show, pre-recorded for several episodes, premiered on Zhejiang TV on Wednesday night (July 16, 2014).

This is Yao Ming's third TV show this year. He has signed up to appear on "Where Are We Going, Dad?" (Baba Qu Na'er), a reality show featuring several celebrity fathers and their children; and "One Heart Racing" (Wo Men Yi Qi Lai), which challenges teenagers to team races.

Yao Ming announced his retirement from professional basketball in 2011.