Yao Ming, a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), walks to the podium to deliver a speech at the third plenary meeting of the fifth session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)
Chinese sports icon Yao Ming said Tuesday that the rapidly growing Chinese sports industry needed much more than investment.
The remarks were made at the ongoing session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body.[Special coverage]
"Investment isn't everything in sports industry," said Yao, the newly elected president of the Chinese Basketball Association.
According to Yao, the sports market in China is far from perfection, and the current task is to raise a new generation of stable and loyal consumers.
"The interest in sports should be developed from childhood," said Yao. "Our children need to manage at least one sport in school, which will bring the country more and more sports fans who can understand and participate in sports activities all through their lives."
Yao expects more local sports activities to emerge in near future. The campus sports events, amateur events and professional events can meet the needs of various groups of people.
"Our professional sports isn't strong enough," said Yao.
"We should encourage our clubs to grow faster, which can lift our professional leagues to a higher level."
Yao suggests a more efficient usage of the existent sports venues, sports fields in school and other public spaces.
"The venues are built for the local people and we should encourage them to make full use of the facilities," said Yao.
