China's five-year sports development plan states that the country's sports industry will amount to more than 3T yuan ($460B) by the end of '20, according XINHUA. The plan issued by China's State General Administration of Sports said, "China's overall sports industry turnout will be amounting to more than three trillion yuan, accounting for one percent in GDP with the added value of sports service taking up 30 percent in the overall sports industry." The plan "underlines China's supportive measures and requests for football's development in the country, including lottery operation on the Chinese domestic football leagues." It said, "The total football pitches in the country will reach over 7,000, averaging at least half a pitch for each 10,000 people and 0.7 pitch for 10,000 in the favorable areas. The number needs to run up to 50 million in China engaging in regular football playing." The plan further endorses the "Medium and Long-Term Plan of Chinese Football Development," which was issued last month by China's National Development and Reform Commission, aiming at entering the football "elite club" and making the goal of "top class soccer nation" by '50. The plan also outlines goals on basketball and volleyball, embodying China's regard on "three big balls" (XINHUA, 5/5).
