National Games bring multiple benefits to region

The 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions from Sunday through Nov 21, mark the first time in Chinese sports history that three regions co-host a major national event.

This will not only deepen sports exchanges and cooperation between the regions but also foster emotional bonds among the three places' people, showcasing united strength in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's integration process.

This grand event, with significance in several aspects, resembles a cross-sea bridge, connecting history and the future, transforming the Greater Bay Area from blueprint to reality.

First, the joint hosting of the National Games marks a new milestone in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao sports collaboration.

In August 2021, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the three regions' co-hosting of the national sports gathering, featuring 34 competition events and 23 mass events, with an expected 26,000 athletes, 6,000 technical officials, 1,200 media personnel and 60,000 volunteers.

Venues span the three regions, including Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park and Victoria Park Swimming Pool, and Macao's East Asian Games Dome.

This arrangement is complementary like puzzle pieces, pooling strengths: Guangdong's numerous venues, Hong Kong's internationalization and Macao's tourism facilities.

Since the Preparatory Committee was established in 2022, multiple meetings and activities have been held to enhance cooperation.

Ticket sales for the event are booming, reflecting public enthusiasm.

Sales began in August, with over 30,000 tickets sold on the first day, generating $1.7 million in revenue. The first week saw 100,000 tickets sold, totaling $3.9 million; by September, over 200,000 tickets yielding more than $7.7 million had been sold. Popular events like basketball, swimming and athletics have ticket sales rates reaching 90 percent. Ticket prices are affordable at $3.90 to $102.90. Sales momentum has exceeded expectations, showing the enthusiasm of sports fans.

This is not just about a sports craze but an emotional tie: Hong Kong and Macao residents participate in Chinese mainland events, strengthening a sense of belonging.

The economic and social benefits are significant. The sporting extravaganza is projected to generate over $2.3 billion in economic value in sectors like tourism, dining and accommodations. Guangdong expects 5 million visitors, with Hong Kong and Macao residents topping the list.

Data shows that Greater Bay Area tourism spending rose 16.4 percent in the first half of 2025, with the number of Hong Kong and Macao visitors to the mainland up 14.2 percent. The 15th National Games will stimulate tourism and consumption. The ripple effect promotes employment: Over 100,000 jobs were created during preparation, covering venue construction and volunteer services. On the social front, the meet has stimulated the development of grassroots sports: Guangdong has added 100 community sports parks, Hong Kong is promoting campus sports, and Macao has expanded fitness facilities. Enhanced enthusiasm in sports will sow the seeds for people's health to improve, enabling Greater Bay Area residents to share the joy of sports and reduce the burden of future medical care.

Deepening exchanges and cooperation is the core. The games feature over 20 joint events, like 3x3 basketball and esports, with mixed teams of athletes from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. This mode fuses like a melting pot, breaking regional barriers and promoting exchanges of skills. In the first half of 2025, over 50 joint training camps were held, involving over 1,000 athletes. The 15th National Games' theme song and mascots incorporate elements from the three places, and they are expected to attract over 100 million online viewers. This acts as an emotional bridge, linking Hong Kong, Macao and mainland residents, strengthening a shared identity. As the Greater Bay Area integration accelerates, games-related infrastructure work, like high-speed rail expansion and airport upgrades, is expected to help shorten travel times among the three places to less than one hour.

The 15th National Games will bring long-term benefits. Upgraded venues will be converted to public use and are expected to attract 5 million visitors annually. The sports industry will grow further: The Greater Bay Area's sports market is projected to expand to be worth $38.6 billion by 2026. More important, cooperation and integration across the Greater Bay Area is expected to deepen, unleashing the economic potential of the city cluster, which has a population of over 86 million.

The author, a specialist in radiology, is founding convenor of Hong Kong Global Youth Professional Advocacy Action and an adviser to the Our Hong Kong Foundation. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.