by sportswriters Wang Jialin and Yao Youming

XI'AN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- With its deep historical roots and modern aspirations, Xi'an is evolving into a thriving center for global sports. The city, which will host events for the 2024 World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup and the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League, continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for high-profile competitions, blending cultural heritage with athletic excellence.

HUB OF HIGH-LEVEL SPORTS EVENTS

With a history spanning over 3,100 years, Xi'an has rejuvenated its cultural heritage with the vibrancy of sports.

Since hosting China's 14th National Games in 2021, Xi'an has significantly enhanced its sports infrastructure, improved its capacity to host major competitions, and witnessed a surge in public enthusiasm for fitness, fueling rapid growth in the city's sports industry.

Earlier this year, during the Chinese Lunar New Year, Xi'an hosted the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. To accommodate passionate fans, the Shaanxi Provincial Stadium expanded its seating capacity by adding 2,552 temporary seats, bringing the total to 7,012.

"In the past, Xi'an was primarily a tourist destination during the Spring Festival," said Wang Libin, president of the Shaanxi Basketball Association. "The tournament attracted fans from across the country, showcasing Xi'an as not just a cultural treasure but a modern metropolis capable of hosting international sports events during one of China's busiest holidays."

In April, the 2024 World Aquatics Diving World Cup Finals brought the world's diving elites to Xi'an. Olympic champions such as Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi delivered stellar performances, helping the Chinese team secure eight of the nine gold medals, further establishing their dominance ahead of Paris 2024.

While hosting elite domestic and international competitions, Xi'an has also prioritized public access to sports venues built for the National Games. The Xi'an Olympic Sports Center, which hosted the ceremonies and games of the 14th National Games, has become a popular destination for mass fitness activities.

"From January to September this year, over 250,000 citizens participated in sports activities or competitions at the Xi'an Olympic Sports Center. Additionally, more than 3,400 individuals, many of them teenagers, received long-term sports training here," said Yao Yao, deputy general manager of Xi'an Olympic Sports Operation Management Co., Ltd.

Yao also noted the center's significant financial impact, stating, "Mass fitness activities brought in 12.65 million yuan (1.77 million U.S. dollars) in revenue during the first nine months of 2024, a 50% year-on-year increase."

SPORTS INDUSTRY FLOURISHED IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL CITY

Public enthusiasm for fitness continues to grow in Xi'an. In 2023, the city hosted over 800 mass fitness events, drawing more than six million participants. The 2024 Xi'an Marathon in November attracted 35,000 runners, including renowned marathoners from across the country, captivated by the city's rich culture and scenic routes.

The sports market in Xi'an has also thrived. By the end of 2023, the city was home to 6,614 sports industry enterprises, generating total revenue exceeding 50 billion yuan (7 billion U.S. dollars).

Xi'an's sports industry is embracing innovation and diversification. At the 2024 China Sports Culture Expo & China Sports Tourism Expo in Suzhou, Shaanxi Qihui Snooker Industry Co., Ltd. showcased its self-developed pool and snooker tables, garnering widespread attention for their sleek design.

Emerging sports such as skateboarding, rock climbing, and freestyle BMX, now official Olympic events, are also gaining traction in Xi'an. Wang Xu, founder of a parkour training agency in the city's eastern industrial park, noted a growing public interest in unconventional sports.

On weekends, Wang trains teenagers in parkour at his agency, while on weekdays, he teaches students at Xi'an University and Northwest University of Political Science and Law. "Parkour is similar to track and field. Anyone can participate, regardless of size or fitness level. It not only improves physical health but also helps individuals unlock their potential," he explained.

Ma Rui, director of the Xi'an Sports Bureau, emphasized the city's commitment to bolstering its sports industry. "We will continue to plan and promote key sports projects, enhance the economic impact of sports events, integrate sports with other industries, and expand fitness and leisure consumption to achieve high-quality development in the sector," Ma said.

As Xi'an leverages its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure, the city's transformation into a dynamic sports hub underscores the evolving role of sports in enriching lives, driving economic growth, and inspiring healthy lifestyles for its residents. Enditem

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