China's Premier Wen Jiabao has urged the men's national basketball team to "win honor for the motherland" during the Beijing [Images] Olympics [Images].

Wen turned up at a team practice session on Sunday, shaking hands with coaches and players, including China's favorite sportsman Yao Ming, who plays for the NBA's Houston Rockets.

China open their Olympic schedule with a highly anticipated game against the United States on August 10. US President George W Bush [Images] last month asked China's President Hu Jintao for tickets to the game.

"Your first game will catch the attention of the world, and you must have confidence, stay collected and play well," Wen told the players, according to the official government website. "No matter whether you win or lose, above all do it with spirit.

"Use an outstanding competition to win honor for the motherland," he added. "Win respect. Win friendship. Show the spirit of the Chinese people."

Wen, who had showed his baseball skills during a visit to Japan [Images] last year, then said: "I'll also shoot a hoop." He had a number of unsuccessful shots, and when he sank one the crowd erupted.

Wen told the basketball team: "When I was young I was also a basketball fan. I loved to watch basketball games most of all."