Source: CCTV news client
According to reports by Spanish media on October 19, local time, at the proposal of Spanish Minister of Culture and Sports Miquel Ezerta, the Spanish government announced on the same day that it would award the Royal Grand Cross Sports Medal, symbolizing the highest honor in Spanish sports, to Spanish basketball player Paul Gasol, who had recently announced his retirement.
This honour was awarded in recognition of Gasol's outstanding contribution to Spanish sport. During his career in Gasol, he gained a great reputation for Spanish sport in the international sphere. Gasol has been a UNESCO Ambassador since 2003 and co-founded the Foundation dedicated to the healthy development of children with his younger brother, Marc Gasol, who is also a member of the Spanish men's national basketball team.
Spanish athletes who have been awarded the Royal Grand Cross Sporting Medal include tennis star Nadal, football stars Casillas, Xavi, Iniesta and others. (Reporter Wei Fan)
![Paul Gasol: From a teenage genius, a champion giant to the dying king of European basketball[fig]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)