Chengdu takes first steps to become an international sports city

Chengdu.cn, the local news website of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, has reported that the Office of Chengdu Municipal Government has published its plan to brand Chengdu as a famous international city for sports events.

This plan can be divided into three phases. During the first phase (2018-2020), Chengdu plans to host 67 international sports events in total with 21 taking place in 2018, 22 in 2019 and 24 in 2020. Just over half of these events are expected to be continental championships or higher-level events. Football, tennis, basketball, table tennis and outdoor sports are the major sports programs in this phase.

The second phase will run from 2021-2025, during which time Chengdu seeks to organize 29 sports events per year on average, with continental championships or higher-level events making up at least 60% of the 145 events to be held in this 5 year period. Chengdu will focus on football, basketball, ice hockey, swimming, cycling and marathons events in this phase. 

When it comes to the 10-year third phase (2026-2035), the average number of sports events to be held each year will reach 38. The proportion of continental championships or higher-level events to be held in the city during the 10 year is expected to be 70%. 

What was emphasized in the plan is that Chengdu will attempt to bid for international multi-sports event, such as the Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games, the East Asian Games and the National Games. 

During the overall city branding process, Chengdu will launch a series of original sports events covering table tennis, basketball, tennis, cycling, marathon, hiking and football.

Source: ikanchai.com

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick