Li Na becomes a WEF Young Global Leader   

Li Na (File photo/Chinanews.com)

(ECNS) - The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced this year's class of 187 Young Global Leaders (YGLs) on Tuesday, and China's renowned former professional tennis player Li Na is included.

John Dutton, the director and head of the WEF's YGL Community said "the class of 2015, together with the community over the past 10 years, shows how the future of business and public leadership is becoming more gender-equal, more geographically diverse, more varied in its expertise, and is challenging established ways to get things done."

This year's class of YGLs covers various sectors, including policy and government, business, science and technology, arts and culture, media and non-profit organizations. About half of the YGLs came from emerging economies, a third from Asia and 17, including Li Na, from Greater China.

Each year, the WEF selects a new group of exceptional individuals under the age of 40 to join the YGL Community based on their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the world's future.

Previously, China's Jack Ma, the lead founder of Alibaba Group, and actress Zhou Xun have been awarded the honor.