Xi Story: A passion for sports, a vision for a healthy China

At a time when local authorities elsewhere primarily focused on economic growth and paid less attention to sports, Xi, then Zhengding's top official, took a different view. Organizing a sports meet carries profound significance for enhancing people's happiness, he said. "The people's wallets are to grow fuller, their minds richer, and their bodies healthier."

After the sports meet, more sports venues were built and community sports teams were formed in Zhengding, which later became a national model county in sports.

By the end of 2025, China has a total of 5 million sports venues, with about 38.5% of the country's population engaged in regular physical exercise. The average life expectancy of the Chinese people has reached 79.25 years.

"The most important indicator of modernization is people's health, which underpins a happy life," Xi said.