China’s ambition to become a global sports powerhouse is evident in its push to develop the sports industry, and the population is responding positively by immersing itself in multiple sports. So, which is the most popular sport in China?
List of the most popular sports in China
1. Esports
Esports is the most played sport in China, with approximately 490 million players. This is the biggest user market in the world, underscoring its rise and development. Domestically, Esports generated about $9.54 billion in revenue and is projected to reach US$497.6 million by 2024. The availability of high-speed internet and a youthful population raise interest in this niche. The combat, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) is the most popular category.
2. Basketball
Basketball has been in China since 1895 and retained its relevance in the population. However, the presence of Chinese players in the NBA further heightened its popularity. Yao Ming is China’s most popular basketball player and his achievements inspired an entire nation to keep playing. Today, over 300 million Chinese people play basketball.
3. Table Tennis
Table tennis is considered the national sport of China. An estimated 350 million people watch the International Table Tennis Federation events, demonstrating its interest in the population. Further, over 300 million people play the sport regularly at clubs. China occupies the top four world rankings; Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, MA Long, and ZAN Zhen.
4. Football
President Xi Jinping’s football ambition is to make China a destination for professional players and disrupt Europe’s dominance. His government published a 50-point plan to revolutionize its game at all levels. However, China still trails Europe in football. In terms of the uptake of the sport, it aimed to have about 50 million people playing by 2020 and wanted to have the strongest team in Asia, but this is yet to happen. Despite this, the Chinese people still enjoy football, which has a fan base of about 200 million.
5. Badminton
Badminton is a favorite sport in China, with more than 100 million people engaging in it. Perhaps it is no surprise that it dominates the sport in global competitions. At the Olympics, China has won 20 gold medals, more than any other country and 47 medals, 26 more than its closest competitor, Indonesia.
6. Martial Arts
China is synonymous with KungFu but its martial arts landscape has evolved to accommodate other forms like Muy Thai and Tai Chi. It is estimated that around 90 million people practice martial arts.
7. Cycling
The number of cyclists in China rose during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the closure of other sporting facilities. More than 20 million people cycle in China. Besides, the country has a professional setup and hosts the Tour of China, a race sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
8. Tennis
The rise of tennis in China can be attributed to the government’s initiative to develop the sport. Chinese players are thriving on tour, and people are embracing the sport. Over 20 million people actively engage in the sport.
9. Running
Most people in China use running to exercise, which is why it has become one of the most popular sports in the country. As of 2023, 50 to 60 million people run regularly and observe the Global Running Day on June 4. The country also hosts several running competitions, exposing many people to the sport.
10. Golf
China has a love-hate relationship with golf, but despite the government’s effort to suppress the sport, 1 million people participate in it. The cost of golf has limited its access, and only rich people with resources play the sport. That notwithstanding, the country has produced notable golfers like Shanshan Feng and Yan Liu.
In conclusion, China’s sports industry is booming, with a wide range of sports capturing the interest of the population. From Esports to traditional sports like table tennis and martial arts, China is making significant strides in becoming a global sports powerhouse. With a growing number of participants and a supportive government, the future of sports in China looks bright.