China targets sports industry worth US$1.04 trillion by 2030
The 15th Five-Year Plan aims to expand sports participation, upgrade fitness facilities and strengthen China’s sports system
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Photo source: imtmphoto / iStock
China aims to expand its sports industry to more than 7 trillion yuan (US$1.04 trillion) by 2030 as part of the country’s new five-year plan to become a leading sports nation, as reported by Xinhua News Agency, a TV BRICS partner.
The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), approved by the State Council in July, 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.
In sports, China will move from a “prioritised breakthrough” strategy towards a comprehensive development model centred on the “633” project. The initiative aims to consolidate the country’s strengths in six traditionally successful sports, including diving and gymnastics; develop three foundational sports – athletics, swimming and water sports – and revitalise basketball, volleyball and football.
Enterprises, universities and social organisations will be encouraged to play a larger role in training and competitions, while talent, capital and technology will be attracted from a wider range of sources.
The national fitness plan for 2026-2030 will focus on making services more targeted, inclusive, intelligent, integrated and better regulated, according to Chen Xingnian, director of the Mass Sports Department.
More than 5,000 small-scale fitness facilities, including micro-sports parks and multipurpose courts, will be built or upgraded during the five-year period. Priority will be given to densely populated areas with the greatest demand.
The sports industry will also receive support through streamlined event approval procedures aimed at reducing costs and improving spectator experiences. The authorities plan to develop 100 high-quality outdoor sports destinations.
New technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data, will be used to develop smart fitness services and virtual sports, Yang Xuedong, director of the Sports Economy Department, said.
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