The Chinese delegation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will be the biggest one in history, Cui Dalin of the General Administration of Sport said on Thursday.

The Chinese delegation would include more than 550 members in all 28 Olympic sports, Cui estimated, and mentioned that the number of sports categories China participates in would also be a new record.

He told domestic media that, so far, China has claimed 516 Olympic berths in 212 events in all sports except tennis and equestrian.

Since the Olympic qualifying tournaments for some events are still on going, China is optimistic about getting more tickets to the Olympic and will realize the goal of competing in all 28 categories, he said.

According to Cui, currently there are approximately 1,300 athletes from 55 teams energetically preparing for the Olympic Games in 17 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.