China’s winter sports administrative centre appointed Li, according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua.

Li has been serving as Chinese Skating Association President.

Li was previously head coach of China’s short track speed skating team from 2006 to 2019.

Her tenure proved successful with Chinese skaters, securing seven Winter Olympic gold medals across three editions of the Games.

Li stepped down from the position in 2019 following the merger of China’s short track and speed skating squads.

The Albertville 1992 Olympic silver medallist was succeeded by four-time Olympic short track gold medallist Wang Meng.

Wang stood down from the position last May after less than a year in the role.

South Korea’s Kim Sun-tae is currently overseeing the short track squad, while Li will now take charge of the short track team.

China will likely look towards skating events as their best chance of success at their home Winter Olympics.

China has won 13 gold medals at the Winter Olympics to date, with 10 having come in short track events.

China has also won one gold medal in speed skating, figure skating and freestyle skiing.