March 5 (Bloomberg) -- Yao Ming, voted China's most popular athlete last year, has a ``good chance'' of recovering for the Beijing Olympics after surgery ended his National Basketball Association season, according to China's sports ministry.

The Houston Rockets center had the surgery two days ago to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. Doctors have estimated a four-month recovery period, leaving him about five weeks to condition himself for the Olympics, which start Aug. 8.

The 27-year-old Yao's loss would deprive the Olympic host of one of its most recognizable sports stars and accomplished basketball players. Cui Dalin, China's vice minister for sports, said Yao's surgery had been a success.

``His stress fracture was caused by long-term fatigue but it was discovered early and treatment was administered in a timely manner,'' Cui told reporters in Beijing. ``I think he will have a good chance of taking part in the Olympics.''

The 7-foot-6 Yao was voted the most popular Chinese athlete in a poll by Sports Illustrated China in 2007, beating out the other home face of the Beijing Olympics, hurdles champion Liu Xiang. Yao said last week that missing the Olympics would be the biggest setback of his career.

The Rockets have won a season-best 15 straight games, including three in a row since Yao was sidelined, improving to 39-20. An All-Star in each of his six NBA seasons, Yao was leading the Rockets with 22 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Wing-Gar Cheng in Beijing at wgcheng@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: March 5, 2008 05:08 EST