President Xi Jinping spotlighted China's sports heroes this weekend, meeting top athletes and grassroots sports champions in Guangzhou just days before the 15th National Games kick off. The event—China's premier domestic sports competition—will showcase over 10,000 athletes competing in 34 sports, blending Olympic events with traditional games like dragon boat racing.
💡 "Sports are a vital part of our socialist modernization," Xi emphasized, praising honorees for their "outstanding contributions to building a healthy China." The gathering underscores Beijing's push to elevate sports as a cultural cornerstone and soft power tool.
🏟️ Fun fact: This marks the first time the National Games will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao—a cross-regional collaboration that organizers say mirrors the "Greater Bay Area" integration vision. Keep an eye out for breakout stars who might dominate next year's Paris Olympics!
