CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- “Last night at midnight, I tried to book a badminton court, but I wasn't fast enough—everything was snapped up instantly,” shared Chongqing resident Liao Yunyun on August 13. Sports venues across the city have become incredibly popular.

But it's not just the courts that are buzzing.

The Paris Olympics have ignited a wave of interest in sports, leading to a significant spike in sales of sports equipment throughout Chongqing. Businesses are witnessing explosive growth, and previously niche sports are rapidly gaining mainstream popularity. According to Meituan data, since July, interest in archery, tennis, and other sports has surged, with Chongqing’s archery orders ranking among the top five nationwide. The sports economy in Chongqing is heating up, outpacing even the summer temperatures.

A shortage of sports equipment for ball games

Sports equipment sales soar both online and offline

“Since the Paris Olympics, sales of badminton, table tennis, and tennis equipment have nearly tripled,” said Zhang Qiang, owner of a sports goods store in Yuzhong District's Datianwan area, as he busily strung a badminton racket for a customer on August 12.

"Our cheaper badminton shuttlecocks are selling for several dozen yuan per tube, while the more expensive ones have already surpassed 100 yuan," Zhang noted, adding that demand has been so strong that prices are rising and stock levels are dwindling, with the price of Yonex shuttlecocks increasing by 25-30 yuan per tube.

This surge isn't limited to small stores; large chain stores are also booming.

On the evening of August 12, long queues were seen at the checkout counter at Decathlon in Chongqing Longfor Times Paradise Walk. “Since August, our sales have increased by 18% compared to the same period last year, exceeding our expectations,” said a Decathlon representative. Notably, sales of road bicycles have surged by 190%, and sales of table tennis and tennis equipment have increased by 119% and 53%, respectively.

The booming business at physical stores is mirrored online.

Data from the e-commerce platform Pinduoduo shows that in July, sales of badminton and billiards equipment more than doubled year-on-year. “Sports equipment for home exercise and fitness, such as yoga gear and small to medium-sized fitness products, are also very popular,” said a Pinduoduo spokesperson. Since July, sales of yoga mats have increased by nearly 30%, with yoga resistance bands and dumbbells following close behind, indicating strong consumer interest in fitness.

Courts in high demand

Book early to secure a badminton or tennis court

The Paris Olympics have also elevated tennis to one of China’s most popular sports. Meituan data shows that sales of tennis experience classes and training packages have soared, with group purchase orders up 172% year-on-year.

"The tennis courts at Shizishan Sports Park open for reservations at midnight, but now even weekday slots are booked up within seconds," said Mr. Li from Yubei District, noting that more people around him have taken up tennis, inspired by the Olympic Games.

“Our bookings have increased by 30% since Chinese players reached the semi-finals, with inquiries also rising significantly. The peak came after Zheng Qinwen won the championship,” said the owner of a badminton and tennis facility in Liangjiang New Area. This sudden boom in tennis has prompted plans to expand their training facilities in Chongqing.

While tennis is thriving, badminton and table tennis—already widely popular—are now even harder to book.

"It's almost impossible to get evening slots, especially between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.. Morning and afternoon slots are a bit easier," noted a staff member at a badminton center near the Olympic Sports Center in Jiulongpo District, adding that evening slots are often fully booked days in advance.

Meituan data shows that since July, badminton orders on the platform have risen by 90% year-on-year, with Chongqing ranking among the top five cities in the country for growth.

Niche sports break into the mainstream

Chongqing's archery orders rank among the top five nationwide

The Olympics have sparked a wave of enthusiasm for niche sports in Chongqing.

On Meituan, searches for breakdancing have increased by 107.8% year-on-year, with related guides and notes up 150%. Since July, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Chongqing have ranked among the top cities for group-buying deals related to breakdancing.

Archery is another sport experiencing a surge in popularity. Meituan data reveals that since July, searches for archery clubs have increased by 40%, with Chongqing's archery-related group-buying orders ranking among the top five nationwide.

On August 12, many children learned archery at the Yuanshi Archery Club while enthusiasts practiced outdoors. Club coach Jiang Zhi noted that typically, August is an off-season for archery in Chongqing due to the summer heat. However, this year, fueled by the Paris Olympics, many have signed up for lessons. Additionally, many consumers have purchased archery classes through group-buying platforms to experience the thrill of the sport.

Jiang Zhi explained that systematically learning archery can be costly, with equipment ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan. A single archery lesson costs around 260 yuan, and a year’s worth of lessons can total approximately 20,000 yuan.

Archery is a niche sport with a high entry threshold and significant venue requirements, Jiang said. “Thanks to the Olympics, archery is enjoying a small boom in Chongqing. I believe that as this trend fades, more people will come to truly appreciate and fall in love with niche sports like archery,” he added. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)