Suzhou boosts young health through sports

Since January, Suzhou in Anhui province has rolled out a series of initiatives to boost the physical and mental health development of adolescents, which are already showing strong results.

For instance, at the city's minor psychological health counseling center, teenagers can release stress and stay active using tools such as VR exercise bikes and inflatable boxing targets. This year alone, the center has conducted psychological assessments for more than 1 million teachers and students.

Miao Xunhong, mother of student Wang Zicheng, says she can see the positive influence of sports on her child.

"My son has been playing basketball for two years. Since joining team sports, he is more eager to go out, socialize and exercise even on rest days. His psychological assessment results have also improved," she says.

"The benefits of sports now extend beyond the court and campus and into our home. As my son has become more lively and outgoing, our relationship has improved. Furthermore, through competitions, winning and losing, he has learned resilience, helping him develop reflective abilities and a tougher mindset," Miao adds.

Wang echoes her thoughts: "I cherish my time playing basketball. Sports helped me make friends. I've gained a lot of respect and goodwill, and it's a great stress reliever."

This year, Suzhou has also begun collaborating with schools to build a sports talent cultivation system. Professional coaches visit schools weekly to co-teach physical education classes with schoolteachers and provide after-school training sessions.

Xu Guoxuan, a fifth-grade primary school student, discovered table tennis through one such class. He is now a national first-grade athlete.

"I first played table tennis in PE class. After being selected by the coach, I attend classes during the day and practice after school. I don't need to go to a specialized club, and I can even compete in tournaments. This daily routine is easy for me to balance," Xu says.

"The moment I picked up the paddle, I felt excited."

Ding Pengman, head coach of Suzhou's municipal table tennis team, emphasizes the program's value: "We are in schools four days a week. Besides professional instruction, what matters more is the inspiration our experience brings, it sparks real interest."