Experts share insights on sports industry development

Approximately 50 enterprise representatives, experts, scholars, and senior sports industry professionals from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Chengdu gathered at an international sports industry salon held in Hong Kong on June 20 to engage in an in-depth exchange on how the sports industry can promote urban development and enhance cross-regional cooperation.

Around 50 enterprise representatives, experts, scholars, and senior sports industry professionals attend the international sports industry salon. Photos by Chang Zhipeng

Representing international sports enterprises, Darren Burden, chief operating officer of Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, introduced the design concept and operational model of Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history. He highlighted that the park is not only the main venue for the Hong Kong Division of the 15th National Games but will also become a new landmark for sports and entertainment in Hong Kong. In the future, it aims to further enhance Hong Kong’s international influence by hosting global competitions and large-scale cultural and sports events.

Darren Burden, chief operating officer of Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, presents an introduction to Kai Tak Sports Park.

This August, Chengdu will host the 12th World Games. As an official partner of World Games Chengdu 2025, Geely Holding Group was invited to share how sports events can empower urban brand building.

Fan Lili, brand strategy director of Geely Holding Group, stated, “The World Games is not just a stage for competition but also a window to showcase the city’s culture and innovation capabilities. Geely hopes to promote the internationalization of Chengdu and China’s sports industry through sports marketing.”

Three guests and the hostess participate in a roundtable discussion.

During the roundtable session, three international sports industry experts from Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as “How to further enhance a city’s visibility and influence through international events” and “How sports can connect cities, consumption, and life.”

Cristian Martinez, co-founder and coach of the Shenzhen-based Goat Football Club, shared that he gained many valuable insights from the event and expressed confidence in the broad prospects of the sports industry. “Hosting large-scale sports events will create more employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the host city,” he said.

The event was organized by National Business Daily, co-organized by the NBD Think Tank Hong Kong Center, and supported by Chengdu Sports Federation, Hong Kong Commercial Daily, and COJOY.