Since April 1997, 12 types of sport have been selected as so-called Focus Sports: badminton, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, rowing, squash, swimming, table tennis, track and field, triathlon, and windsurfing - all very popular sporting activities in China. Sports are really promoted throughout China. All large apartment blocks offer a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and squash courts, as well as most schools.

Chinese athletes have often participated in high-profile international sporting events and were quite successful in them. Players from Hong Kong were champions of the World Amateur Junior and World Amateur Snooker Championships. Hong Kong native Lee Lai-Shan won the gold medal at the 1997 World Windsurfing Championships. Athletes from China also won a number of medals at the 1997 Special Olympic World Winter Games.