Transformation of China's Sports Sector: AI Emerges as a New Weapon to Boost Performance and Efficiency

Sports Industry in China is entering a new era. Where technology was once merely a supporting element, artificial intelligence (AI) is now taking on a central role across nearly every aspect of Sports, from fitness training, stadium management, all the way to competition organization.

This shift is part of the large-scale transformation unfolding within the country. AI is no longer only used for data collection—it now also enables coaches, athletes, venue operators, and event organizers to make faster, more accurate decisions.

One of the most prominent developments is occurring in the fitness sector. AI-powered training has become a leading trend at fitness centres across China, as it delivers highly personalised workout programmes tailored to individual user needs.

Shuhua Sports, official fitness equipment supplier for the Chinese Olympic Committee, stands among the pioneers implementing this technology. The company launched an AI-powered gym solution designed specifically for science-based training methodologies.

This system operates by collecting cardiopulmonary data through smart treadmills and measuring muscle strength via digital devices. All collected information is then analysed in real time and presented through a mobile application on the user's smartphone.

"Our AI solution functions as an affordable digital personal trainer, capable of generating unique workout plans for every individual user," stated Shi Yong, Vice President of Shuhua Sports.

"At the same time, fitness facility operators are able to flexibly adjust their operational strategies accordingly."

Similar innovations are emerging from other sports technology companies across China. Qingdao-based Impulse Fitness has developed an intelligent stair climber built for professional training requirements.

In Hangzhou, Ease Future introduced massage robots designed to assist with muscle recovery after exercise. Meanwhile, Suzhou Qiber combines fitness and entertainment through exercise bikes integrated with interactive games.

The impact of AI extends far beyond training facilities. This technology is also transforming the daily operations of stadiums and other public sports facilities.

Metaspace, a developer of air-supported dome structures, created an AI-based venue management system that automatically controls indoor environmental conditions. This system also manages equipment maintenance scheduling while helping reduce overall energy consumption.

These smart platforms allow venue operators to analyse visitor traffic patterns, improve customer service quality, and monitor user usage behaviour far more effectively.

Chen Liangfeng, senior engineer at the Hefei Institute of Physical Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, notes that the future of stadiums will no longer be defined solely by the grandeur of physical infrastructure.

"The most competitive sports venues in the future will not be those with the most advanced hardware. They will be the venues that truly understand their customers," Chen remarked.

Digital Transformation has also reached the world of competitive sports. AI now assists event organisers run competitions more efficiently, handling everything from official timekeeping to real-time Leaderboard systems.

Li Chungang, Deputy Director of the Sports Tourism Committee of the China National Park and Scenic Site Association, explained that smart event systems used for Running races, cycling events and orienteering competitions are able to cut operational costs while streamlining event logistics.

"The Old Town of Lijiang has adopted this system to support offline attendance recording and real-time online ranking. This allows organisers to host small-scale sports events consistently throughout the year," Li stated.

AI adoption is also increasingly visible on the global stage. Bullet-time technology deployed during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games demonstrates How artificial intelligence can enhance the viewing experience for audiences worldwide.

Additionally, AI-powered multilingual advertising technology used at UEFA Euro 2024 confirms that digital innovation has now become a core component of the modern Sports Industry.

Cui Yixiong, lecturer at the Sports Engineering Faculty of Beijing Sport University, assessed that the future of sports will be heavily shaped by collaboration between tournament organisers, technology companies, broadcasting institutions and sports data providers.

According to Cui, this integration will enable the emergence of a digital Sports Ecosystem that evolves independently and grows progressively more efficient over time.

This sweeping transformation has also drawn attention from the China Sports Goods Federation. Luo Jie, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the federation, confirmed that AI is no longer an optional addition for the National Sports industry.

As stated by Luo, artificial intelligence has penetrated every layer of China's sports industry, transitioning from an optional technology into the primary engine driving sports consumption growth while fundamentally reshaping the domestic sports landscape.

Against this backdrop of rapid development, China is demonstrating that AI is far more than just an auxiliary technical tool—it has become the new foundation for building a modern sports industry that is more efficient, personalised, and globally competitive for the future.