When former No.1-ranked Serbian tennis player Jelena Jankovic was dropped by Reebok she turned to Chinese sportswear firm Anta.

FORBES: Sports Values

Aminata Diaw has also worked as Director of cultural and scientific activities of the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar.

UNESCO: Social and Human Sciences

Last year, Zheng signed a lucrative endorsement deal with ANTA, a sportswear company in China with ambitions to break out overseas.

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She then joined the Philosophy Department of the Faculty of Humanities (FLSH), University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar (UCAD) in 1986.

UNESCO: THEMES

Li Ning has been facing a number of headwinds that includes growing competition from domestic rivals, such as Anta and Peak, as well as shrinking profit margins.

FORBES: Li Ning Loses 3 Key Executives

Both spokesmen for Li Ning and Anta declined to comment.

WSJ: China Brands Lose to Western Labels

In the wake of the 2008 Olympics, these brands saw a surge in sales, with revenue at Li Ning and rival Anta, which sells Fila clothes and shoes, rising over 50%.

WSJ: China Brands Lose to Western Labels

From heights of 60 times earnings, Li Ning is now trading at 23 times and is down 28% this year, while Anta, valued at 33 times, is down to nine times.

WSJ: China Brands Lose to Western Labels