Sports industry losing appeal despite recent gains

Despite its prowess in elite international sports events, China remains far from a world sports power, lacking development in the industry generally, said an annual report on the development of the sports industry in China.

Inspired by achievements such as Guangzhou Evergrande's successful AFC Champions League campaign in 2013, the public's awareness of sports entertainment has grown significantly in recent years, boosting several industries such as sporting goods manufacturing, ticket sales and brand endorsements.

Sales of sporting goods in China reached 79.7 billion yuan ($12.8 billion) in the first three quarters of 2013, a 10.6 percent year-on-year increase, with profits of 3.2 billion yuan, a 3.4 percent rise from 2012, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Social Sciences Academic Press and the Capital Institute of Physical Education and Sports.