China's leading sportswear company, Li-Ning, has joined hands with the Sudanese national athletic team to boost the development of sports in the African country.

Li-Ning Company has signed a sponsorship contract with the national track and field team of the Republic of Sudan, serving as another big move for the Chinese brand to explore the international market.

Mustafa Abbadi (L), president of the Sudanese Athletic Association shakes hands with Wu Xianyong, vice general manager of Li-Ning during a press conference Tuesday in Beijing.

According to the deal, Sudanese athletes will wear Li-Ning products for the next three years, including during their participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Wu Xianyong, vice general manager of Li-Ning, hopes the company's products will help Sudan boost the development and popularity of sports in the country.

"The Company will equip the Sudanese national team with our professional sportswear and help them make great breakthroughs on the world scene, especially in the 2008 Beijing Olympics."

Mustafa Abbadi, president of the Sudanese Athletic Association, also looks forward to the cooperation.

"Chinese people have given us a lot of support in our development in the global sports arena. Their encouragement, guidance, and sponsorship have been significant to our progress in this field. We expect more fruitful cooperation with Li-Ning."

The Li-Ning company, named after China's best-ever gymnast Li Ning, seeks to compete on the international market with big names like Nike Inc. and Adidas.

Besides the Sudanese team, Li-Ning is the official sponsor of Spain's men's and women's basketball teams as well as the French gymnastics team.