China is set to host the first-ever youth games for football, basketball, and volleyball, aimed at grooming talent for the future development of these sports in the country. The inaugural event, scheduled to take place in Hunan Province from late November to early December 2024, is jointly organized by the General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Education. The games will feature events for both men and women.

The youth games, which will be attended by athletes under the age of 18, are planned to become an annual event in the years to come. The decision to introduce these games stems from the recognition that the development of football, basketball, and volleyball in China has been hindered by the lack of youth competitions, low competition levels, and an inadequate training and selection system.

A top official from the General Administration of Sport stated, “We hope that the new youth games for these sports can improve the system, and on the other hand, our young athletes can have more opportunities to participate in high-quality events.”

The results of the events in the youth games will be included in the overall results of the Chinese 15th National Games, underscoring the importance placed on these competitions. The goal is to enable provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities to identify and select talented athletes aged 15-18 and establish high-level teams for the future.

By providing a platform for young athletes to compete and showcase their skills, China aims to address the talent development challenges faced in football, basketball, and volleyball. The youth games are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of sports stars and elevating the country’s performance in these popular sports.

via: English News

Image: Global Time