China targets $1.04trn sports industry by 2030
Beijing, Sept. 2026 (TV BRICS/NAN) China on Monday said it is targeting a sports industry worth more than seven trillion yuan (1.04 trillion dollars) by 2030 under its 15th Five Year Plan (2026-2030).
The plan, approved by the State Council in July, is part of efforts to make China a leading sports nation.
It also targets increasing per capita sports venue space to about four square metres and raising the proportion of residents who exercise regularly to around 40 per cent.
China will shift from a “prioritised breakthrough” strategy to a comprehensive sports development model centered on the “633” project.
The initiative will consolidate the country’s strengths in six traditionally successful sports, including diving and gymnastics.
It will also promote three foundational sports athletics, swimming and water sports while revitalising basketball, volleyball and football.
Enterprises, universities and social organisations will be encouraged to play greater roles in sports training and competitions.
The country will also attract talent, capital and technology from a wider range of sources to support sports development.
According to Chen Xingnian, director of the Mass Sports Department, the national fitness plan for 2026-2030 will focus on making services more targeted, inclusive, intelligent, integrated and better regulated.
More than 5,000 small-scale fitness facilities, including micro-sports parks and multipurpose courts, will be built or upgraded during the period.
Priority will be given to densely populated areas with the greatest demand for such facilities.
The sports industry will also benefit from streamlined event approval procedures designed to reduce costs and improve spectators’ experiences.
The authorities plan to develop 100 high-quality outdoor sports destinations.
Yang Xuedong, director of the Sports Economy Department, said new technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data, would be used to develop smart fitness services and virtual sports. (TV BRICS/)
