China's State Council has turned its attention to accelerating the development of the country's sports industry.

The nationwide campaign aims to open more public spaces to encourage hundreds of millions of people to exercise regularly. It also aims for students at elementary and high schools to have at least one hour of exercise everyday. The government has meanwhile identified football as a key sport to develop both in schools and in society. Growth in snow and ice sports will also be encouraged.

By 2025, the government wants the sports industry to go from 0.6 percent of total GDP, to 1 percent... the same level as in most developed countries. The sweeping changes will offer everyone in the country a chance to stay fit.

"A newly developed residential community that's home to some 3,000 people will be required to have at least six ping-pong tables for its indoor sports facilities. While its outdoor workout space should be over 900 square meters, the size of one and a half basketball courts," said Hao Fuqing, deputy inspector of Nat'l Development & Reform Commission.

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