The 2024 Paris Olympics played a role in boosting development of China's sports sector and spurring the growth of niche sports across the country, said a senior official of the General Administration of Sport on Wednesday.
"In coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we have launched programs of bringing sports events to scenic spots, communities and business districts and the initiative of traveling to places with sports events. In Shanghai, the Olympic qualifiers in May attracted 45,000 domestic and international spectators, generating direct economic benefits of 643 million yuan (about 90.62 million U.S. dollars) and indirect economic benefits of 1.402 billion yuan (about 197.58 million U.S. dollars). From January to August, Fujian Province hosted 542 similar events, with 2.48 million participants, driving various types of consumption amounting to 3.685 billion yuan (about 519.33 million U.S. dollars), a year-on-year jump of 21 percent," said Zhou Jinqiang, deputy director of the administration, at a press conference in Beijing.
The official said the Olympic Games also contributed to promoting the development of niche sports like bicycle motocross (BMX) and breakdance in China.
"Niche sports have gained more popularity, with BMX, rock climbing, breakdance and tennis drawing much attention. According to online statistics, in July, the number of tennis-related group purchases on Meituan (e-commerce platform) surged by 172 percent year on year. The driving effect has become more evident. Data from Douyin and Kuaishou (short video platforms) show that during the Olympics, the sales of Games-related products, such as beverages, food, digital devices and home appliances, increased twofold year on year," he said.
Paris Olympics propel development of China's sports sector: official
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months by an overwhelming margin.
The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions, during the UNGA's 10th emergency special session considering Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The resolution demanding that Israel comply with all its legal obligations under international law, including advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice, was introduced by the State of Palestine on Tuesday and was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations.
By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."
The UNGA also demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice.
In remarks before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be addressed through unimpeded access to those in need, a ceasefire deal and the full implementation of all related Security Council resolutions.
A credible peace process must be relaunched to work towards a two-State solution to diffuse this conflict, he said, expressing support for the State of Palestine's full statehood and UN membership. "The time has come to end the suffering," he noted.
Introducing the draft resolution on Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination.
"The Palestinians want to live, not survive -- they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit," said Mansour.
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
