The huge popularity of a new provincial football league in east China's Jiangsu serves as a vivid example of how the country can tap into the public demand and passion for sports and turn itself into a sporting powerhouse, a Chinese official said on Wednesday.
Jiang Pengju, vice mayor of Changzhou City in Jiangsu Province and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, gave his assessment of the local football phenomenon during a group interview ahead of the start of the fourth annual session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC in Beijing on Wednesday.
Formally known as the Jiangsu Football City League but widely referred to as the "Suchao" -- a play on words which sounds like the 'Super League of Jiangsu' -- the regional competition among 13 cities across Jiangsu Province has ignited the passion of fans far and wide since its launch last May.
Jiang explained how the success of the football league is indicative of wider efforts to promote and encourage sports participation across the country, and believes it has the potential to represent something much bigger in terms of its overall social and cultural impact.
"The success of 'Suchao' serves as a vivid example of our country's efforts in building a sports powerhouse. Facilities, youth training programs, and competitions across provinces and cities have all seen comprehensive development. The city league across various regions has transcended mere inter-city sporting competitions, evolving into a vital vehicle for fostering social consensus, empowering urban renewal, and pursuing a better life," he said.
Jiang also pointed to how the grassroots football tournament has captured the imagination of fans and sports enthusiasts up and down the country, noting the humorous online debates which have sprung up as the 13 highly-competitive teams in Jiangsu jokingly set aside the spirit of friendship in their quest for glory during the games.
He said this has further widened the overall interest and excitement around the league, driving up tourism as fans travel for matches and creating a market for related merchandise.
"We believe that sporting events thrive through cultural empowerment. The slogan 'Competition First, Friendship 14th' which was humorously reimagined by netizens inspired the creation of numerous cultural and creative products. Football fans from different cities wrote letters to one another and held singing contests, igniting interest in local history and culture. This creativity and resonance, fueled by cultural confidence, fosters a positive interaction between humanity and spirit. It is the very source of vitality that keeps the event attracting new fans. The flourishing of cultural tourism will also unleash tremendous momentum for sporting events. We are confident that the 2026 edition of 'Suchao' will be even more spectacular," he said.
Jiang was speaking on the sidelines of the "two sessions", a major event in China's political calendar, which refers to the annual meetings of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
The meetings have gathered thousands of national lawmakers and political advisors from across the country in the Chinese capital.
Popularity of grassroots football league shows China's potential as sporting powerhouse: CPPCC member
