Tianjin National Games a milestone in reform

The National Games is interwoven with the larger story of Chinese sports. The 13th National Games in Tianjin from Aug 27 to Sept 8, which is destined to be historic, is being held at a time when the world's second-largest economy is undergoing wide-ranging reforms in sports, in order to help Chinese people lead healthier and happier lives.

The slogan for Tianjin 2017, "National Games for a Healthy China", reflects the shift in China's focus from the pursuit of gold medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships to a more balanced attitude toward the fundamental function of sports in society.

A major change at the National Games, the Chinese version of the Olympics, will be the opening of doors to amateur athletes for the first time in 30 years. A total of 7,620 amateur athletes will compete in 19 popular events such as tai chi, chess, roller sports, marathon and rock climbing. This is in addition to the more than 10,000 professional athletes taking part in the Olympic events.