Seventy-five years of pursuing dreams – From broadcast gymnastics to -village BA-… sports are embedded in everyone’s life

In recent years, the way people engage in fitness has greatly diversified in China, with community sports events like “Village BA” and “Village Super” gaining immense popularity. The roots of public interest in fitness can be traced back to the 1950s, when the first broadcast exercise routines were introduced, leading to a surge in health awareness among youth, seniors, urban dwellers, and rural residents alike.

Recently, the inaugural North China Regional Broadcast Exercise Competition of the National Fitness Competition took place in Tianjin. This exciting event drew over 200 participants from regions including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Shanxi. Broadcast exercise, a familiar concept for many, has woven itself into the fabric of Chinese culture for more than 70 years.

The first broadcast exercise program was officially announced on November 24, 1951, and it began airing nationally on December 1 via the Central People’s Broadcasting Station. Since then, millions have participated in synchronized exercise routines daily, creating a nationwide fitness movement that has become a collective memory for a generation of Chinese people.

Fast forward to today, and the broadcast exercise has reached its ninth version, while public fitness landscapes have transformed dramatically. On weekends, Bijia Mountain Sports Park in Shenzhen is bustling with activity. From 5G smart walking paths to outdoor fitness centers, yoga zones, and courts for basketball, soccer, and badminton, there’s a spot for every sports enthusiast.

Not too far from Bijia Mountain lies the newly established Futian Coastal Eco-Sports Park, a groundbreaking venue that seamlessly blends ecology, leisure, and sports. It features multiple soccer fields, all built atop a water purification facility, making it a unique addition to the country’s sports infrastructure.

The trend toward greater accessibility in fitness is also evident in rural areas. In Ankang City’s Langao County, for example, improving sports facilities has significantly expanded fitness options for locals. Recently, during a harvest festival, a local basketball tournament dubbed “Shaanxi’s Village BA” took place on a newly constructed village court, showcasing 78 teams from five provinces competing in over 200 games.

With ongoing improvements in public fitness services, accessibility has become less of a barrier. By the end of 2023, China achieved an average sports facility area of 2.89 square meters per person, surpassing the 2.6 square meter target set for the 14th Five-Year Plan two years ahead of schedule. The percentage of the population regularly participating in sports now stands at an impressive 37.2%.

At the National Tennis Center in Beijing, the annual China Open is currently in full swing. Since its inception in 2004, this event has grown into a celebrated gathering for tennis fans. With Zheng Qinwen recently winning the women’s singles championship at the 2024 Paris Olympics, enthusiasm for tennis continues to soar.

The rise of national fitness activities is also fostering a broader talent pool in competitive sports. In disciplines like table tennis, badminton, tennis, and skiing, a family-oriented training model is enriching the development of athletic talent in China.

From advancing public health to aligning fitness with the Olympic spirit, sports have undeniably enhanced everyday life in China. Over the past 75 years, the journey of Chinese sports has been extraordinary. Today, sports go beyond national pride; they have become a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates into our lives through diverse activities across various seasons and regions.