Sports industry puts emphasis on fun and fitness to maintain growth

As China aims to boost sports consumption as a new economic driver, advisers have suggested that the industry should shift its focus from manufacturing to providing sports entertainment, service and fitness products to achieve sustainable growth.

Despite growing at a steady pace fueled by increasing sports participation, China's sports industry relies on the manufacturing of equipment and sportswear with untapped potential in the vast market, said members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body.

Ma Jilong, a member of the committee's sports group, pitched the consumption of intangible products in the sector as the key for sound growth.