A pickleball game in Jinan, East China's Shandong Province Photo: VCG
Though the traditional sports like football, basketball and running are still dominating in China, some unconventional sports such as paddling, squash and pickleball have been gaining increasing popularity in recent years.
With rising health consciousness and an appetite for diverse recreational experiences, these sports not only enrich China's fitness culture but also mirror a broader embrace of personalized and varied exercise regimens.
Paddle boarding, once a pastime for a select group of water sports enthusiasts, is gaining ground among everyday fitness fans.
Shi Deqiang, a former triathlon athlete-turned paddle board athlete, explains his transition.
"Every day I need to take my kids to school, so my training time is quite limited. Paddle boarding's lower threshold makes it ideal," Shi, in his 50s, told the Global Times about his role change.
His move was further influenced by exposure to the sport through triathlon colleagues, noting that paddle boarding is used for rescue support in many international triathlon events.
Shi's journey illustrates a broader evolution. Once reserved for die-hard enthusiasts, paddle boarding is now taught in clubs nationwide, thanks to the growing temperatures which have made it available in spring as well as in summer.
"With a club around, you're never alone," he said, emphasizing the community's role in both his personal development and the sport's promotion.
His commitment goes beyond personal achievement: He is actively involved in revising national competition rules, aiming to showcase Chinese athletes' talents in international paddling events. "Sport has no boundaries, every breakthrough is a new beginning," he noted.
Rising contenderOnce limited to exclusive clubs, squash is rapidly expanding in major urban centers like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Dalian.
Li Dongjin, coach of the Chinese national squash team, recalls the early days in Shanghai when courts were scarce and mostly confined to high-end hotels.
Today, the city boasts nearly 100 squash courts, fueling a vibrant junior scene and an increasingly competitive environment.
Jin Zhen, vice president of the Shanghai Squash Association, credits the sport's inclusion in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a key driver for its popularity. "Squash has traditionally been a niche sport," he said. "But the Olympic inclusion has given it significant momentum."
Wu Xiaowei, a veteran coach in Beijing, echoed this idea.
"The sport has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many of my students have been learning with me for three to four years," Wu told the Global Times.
The sport's accessibility and engaging gameplay have encouraged participation across age groups, marking it as a promising avenue for community and competitive sports alike.
Shi Deqiang participates in a paddle competition event in Qingtian, East China's Zhejiang Province, on October 19, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Shi Deqiang
Fast-tracked to popularityPickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, epitomizes the new wave of inclusive sports.
Its low threshold allows even beginners to "learn in three minutes, fall in love in ten minutes; and after half an hour, not want to leave," said Zhang Li, a TV producer and promoter of the sport in China.
The sport's simple yet strategic gameplay has resonated with a wide audience.
Guangzhou-based pickleball player Cao Yinan explains his passion for the sport. "I particularly enjoy doubles. The interplay of techniques and psychology in the 'dink shot' at the net is simply captivating," Cao said, stressing that the pickleball's charm lies in its versatility.
"It's suitable for children, adults, and seniors alike. The sport's growing popularity is reflected not only in China, but in the world."
The sport's rapid adoption is driven by its social nature, the sport's practitioners shared with the Global Times, as they believe that pickleball offers a perfect balance of exercise and interaction. "Pickleball is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle," Zhang said, underscoring people's enthusiasm that has turned it into one of the fastest-growing racket sports.
Children navigate obstacles during a Spartan race at Shanghai Binhai Forest Park. Photo: VCG
Conquering challengesBeyond traditional ball and board sports, obstacle racing is redefining fitness for the masses.
At the new season of Spartan race is set to be unveiled this weekend in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, 37-year-old Dongguan-based IT programmer Chen Zhiqiang shared his transformative experience.
Initially "convinced" by a friend to participate after a sedentary lifestyle pushed his weight to 85 kilograms, Chen quickly discovered that the challenge was as much mental as it was physical.
Chen recalled the communal spirit that set Spartan race apart.
"I once got stuck on an obstacle for half an hour, and passersby stayed to help me. This support not only helped me push past physical limits but also reshaped my approach to everyday challenges," Chen told the Global Times.
"Participating in the Spartan race series made me understand that one cannot be a superhero but is able to be persistent and beat yesterday's self," Chen said.
Spartan race, with courses designed for all ages, from 4-year-olds to those in their 60s, highlights the inclusiveness of this trend.
The events provide a platform for ordinary people to test their mettle, especially for those who are seeking for diversifying their sports activities, Chen said.
The evolution of these sports from niche activities to mainstream pastimes reflects a larger shift in Chinese society. People are not only seeking varied forms of physical fitness but are also looking for sports that offer community and mental resilience.
"Sports today are as much about life as they are about physical strength," Chen told the Global Times. "Every sport has the power to transform lives. No matter what sport you are taking, as long as it provides you with a better lifestyle, it is the best sport for you."
