Sports envisioned as a pillar of the economy

With increasing numbers of Chinese embracing sports as a way of life, some top advisers have pinned their hopes on sports-related consumption as a new pillar of economic growth.

From sweat-soaked runners jostling in marathon races in major cities to excited fans roaring in support of their home teams at professional basketball games and soccer matches, sports participation is on the rise in China, driving the burgeoning sports industry to its current position as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.

As China's slowing economy affects urban consumption, members on the sports panel of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the top political advisory body, think the surge of sports-related business could bring new dynamics.