Compiled from a report by China Daily on March 13.
China’s sports sector is emerging as a “sunrise industry” with significant potential to drive domestic consumption, stimulate private enterprise innovation, and enhance public health — particularly among adolescents.
Industry leaders highlight that strategic support for the sector could make it a cornerstone of economic growth during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).
Domestic Demand and Market Growth
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, retail sales of sports and entertainment products from enterprises above a designated size rose 15.7% year-on-year in 2025.
While this double-digit growth reflects a robust appetite for fitness gear and lifestyle upgrades, industry insiders note that the sector still faces bottlenecks:
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Insufficient effective supply of high-quality products
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Limited consumption scenarios for diversified populations
Ding Shizhong, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and chairman of Anta Group, emphasized that policy optimization and cross-sector integration of “Sports+” initiatives will be key to unlocking the market’s full potential.
Private Enterprises as Innovation Drivers
Private firms dominate China’s high-tech and commercial landscape. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), private companies accounted for over 92% of all enterprises and 92% of national high-tech firms.
Ding stressed that this private sector strength makes these firms critical:
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Investors in research and development
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Drivers of commercializing technological breakthroughs
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Facilitators of innovation ecosystems across the sports industry
To further empower private companies, Ding recommended:
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Establishing structured participation in national-level scientific projects
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Incentivizing innovation contributions
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Creating consortia that connect research institutions and enterprises
Such measures aim to accelerate high-end product development and position Chinese companies as global competitors in sports technology and services.
Health and Social Impact
Beyond economics, the sports industry plays a strategic role in adolescent well-being and public health. Ding highlighted persistent challenges:
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Marginalization of physical education in schools
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Unequal access to quality sports facilities between urban and rural areas
He advocates a “Sports + Psychology” approach, emphasizing:
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Guaranteed PE curriculum time
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High-quality, practical sports activities
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Bridging resource gaps across regions
The goal is to leverage physical activity to reduce anxiety, build resilience, and cultivate lifelong healthy habits among young people.
Looking Ahead
China’s sports industry, with its combination of rapid market growth, private sector innovation, and public health impact, is poised to become a key pillar of domestic consumption and strategic development.
For companies like Anta, this means continued focus on innovation, core business expansion, and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that China’s sports sector not only meets domestic demand but also becomes increasingly competitive on the global stage.