China’s sports industry will continue to play an important role in the country’s development, both economically and socially, according to Gao Zhidan, director of China’s General Administration of Sports.

Thanks to China’s 2023 winter sports boom, they have been an integral part of the country’s prosperity-focused sports industry for more than 10 years. According to Gao, the sports industry has been growing at an annual rate of 15.4 per cent since 2012. By 2022, its total value will reach 3.3 trillion yuan (approximately US$459.3 billion), 1.3 trillion yuan (approximately US$180.9 billion) more than at present.

Gao believes that the growth of the sports industry is contributing to China’s economic development in three ways. First, in recent years, more and more cities have held sports events and activities to improve their image and boost economic growth. Last year, China hosted major events such as the 31st World University Games in Chengdu, the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, the first China Student Games in Nanning and the 14th National Winter Games in Hulunbuir. The combined spending on sports and other industries in these four cities exceeded 130 billion yuan (approximately US$18.1 billion). This is reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

Second, China is seeking to combine the growth of the sports industry with other sectors to create new development models. Gao said that sports events in rural areas and business circles in cities create platforms for cultural, tourism and commercial activities that contribute to the rejuvenation of rural areas and economic recovery in various regions of the country.

In addition, Gao noted that Paris will host the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in 2024, and China is already actively participating in sports events, attracting people from all walks of life. He emphasised that such events show that China is on its way to becoming a great sports power.

Although there are still underdeveloped areas in sports development and problems that need to be solved, China will continue to pursue its core goal of serving the people, prioritising high-quality development and promoting reform and innovation in sports.

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