Tai ji and fencing are among the sports enjoying a surge in popularity in an increasingly diversified fitness market in Shanghai. The newly launched 14th Five-Year Plan envisages the city becoming a world-renowned sports hub. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

CPPCC members suggested Shanghai host more world-class sports events, especially those in soccer and basketball, to better create a name card of a world-famous sports city.

Sabrina W. Fung, a member of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the city's political advisory body, suggested Shanghai to restore the hosting of the preseason games of the NBA.

"Shanghai has won the right to host various world-class sports events every year. But soccer and basketball attract the largest number of audience. Such events may attract soccer and basketball enthusiasts from around the world to Shanghai and better know Shanghai," she said.

Shanghai has hosted world-class F1, tennis, marathon, and golf events and games for years.

Ma Zhiyuan, another CPPCC member, suggested the city government better support the development of emerging sports among the public.

"Frisbee, skateboarding, rock climbing and other emerging sports have become fitness choices for many citizens, especially young people. These sports are friendly to individuals of different age groups and do not have high requirements in venues and equipment. They're suitable for populous big cities," he said.

According to the 2023 Global Sports City Index released jointly by the Shanghai University of Sport and the International Association of Sports Economics, Shanghai was ranked second nationally and 47th globally in the rankings of cities.