Officials upbeat, turn focus to work ahead

Gao Zhidan

Director of the General Administration of Sport of China

A senior sports official has highlighted the ongoing fight against corruption, promotion of mass fitness and reforms in the sports industry, among other efforts, as key to realizing the goal of building China into a sporting power by 2035.

"With 11 years to go, we still have a lot of catching up to do. We need to stay cool-headed as despite the many progresses we've made, there are long-running issues hampering the development of the sports sector," said Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport of China, on Monday.

Citing the lack of international competitiveness in China's men's national soccer program, Gao called for stronger anti-graft efforts within the sport's governing bodies at all levels.

"The international performances of our 'big-ball' team sports squads have suffered continuous decline over the past few years," Gao said, referring to the failed qualification campaigns of the country's men's soccer and basketball teams for their respective major tournaments.

With such poor performances triggering concern nationwide, the country's development system, especially for the three collective ball sports of soccer, basketball and volleyball, needs an overhaul, Gao said, adding that the emphasis is on transparent management and the core focus on youth promotion.

To get more people involved in a more active and healthier lifestyle, Gao also pledged more efforts to improve and expand the mass fitness campaign by making exercise facilities, training guidance and fitness services more accessible and affordable at the grassroots.