Being the last baseball team (8th place) for the Beijing Olympics will not get any cash from the government for Taiwanese players. Previously, it was a whopping NT$21.6 million ($704,000) under old guidelines. However, medal winners are able to receive a lump sum or have the luxury of lifetime monthly annuity. For the gold winner, NT$75,000 ($2440) per month. Silver medalist will get NT$38,000 ($1236) monthly, with the bronze getter receiving NT$24,000 ($781) every month.

Not bad, not bad.

Taiwan will send 80 athletes to the Games, which start in Beijing on Friday. They will hope to improve on the nation鈥檚 showing in Athens in 2004, where Taiwan won a total of five medals, two golds, two silvers and a bronze.

Taiwan鈥檚 four entries in taekwondo could all contend for medals, depending on their draws and the mood of the often arbitrary judges. Taiwan鈥檚 archery teams are also seen as having a chance to repeat their performances in Athens.

Other hopefuls include tennis players Chuang Chia-jung and Chan Yung-jan who are looking to grab glory in the women鈥檚 doubles.

Via Taipei Times