By John Quelch and Zarko Krkeljas |
China Daily Global |
The 2026 Happy Run International Youth and Family Sports Carnival was held in Beijing on May 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
At a time when many nations are grappling with rising healthcare costs, youth anxiety, social fragmentation and economic uncertainty, sports must be viewed not just as a leisure activity, but as a strategic investment in national development.
Too often, discussion of sports is primarily in terms of medals, elite athletes or major competitions. Yet the true value of sports extends far beyond the stadium. Sports build healthier citizens, stronger communities, more resilient economies and more connected societies.
