President Xi Jinping met with representatives from national model units and individuals in mass and competitive sports on Sunday, recognizing their contributions to China's athletic development. The event took place in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, ahead of the 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China opening ceremony.
During the meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of sports as a cornerstone of national health and a symbol of social progress. "Sports embody the spirit of our nation and the aspirations of our people," he stated, highlighting the government's commitment to building a "healthy China" through grassroots participation and elite athletic excellence.
The National Games, China's premier domestic sports event, will feature over 10,000 athletes competing in 34 sports. This year's edition marks the first time the games will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, showcasing regional collaboration under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Analysts note the timing aligns with China's broader goals of using sports diplomacy to enhance international soft power, while domestic initiatives aim to boost public fitness participation to 45% of the population by 2035.
