On November 21, 2025, China's 15th National Games concluded its first-ever cross-boundary edition co-hosted by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR.
This year's program featured 419 gold medal events for elite athletes and 166 amateur categories, drawing more than 11,000 participants aged 8 to 81. Schoolchildren, teachers, doctors and farmers all reached the final stage in a true celebration of mass participation.
"In recorded events such as track and field, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, track cycling and rock climbing, eight world records, five world junior records, 13 Asian records, 10 Asian junior records, 14 national records and seven national junior records were set," Tong Lixin, deputy director of the organizing committee, said. In 12 events, championship results even surpassed those of the Paris Olympics, showcasing China's competitive sports growth.
Innovative cross-boundary courses, like the men's road cycling race across three competition zones and the marathon linking Shenzhen and the Hong Kong SAR, offered a vivid example of Greater Bay Area connectivity in action.
For business and tech enthusiasts, the scale of logistics and digital infrastructure—from AI-driven timing systems to live-streamed events across borders—signals fresh opportunities in sports tech and event management.
Thought leaders and changemakers will find a powerful case study in how regional integration and concentrated resource mobilization can drive large-scale success, while sports fans rejoice in the high-octane performances and record-breaking moments.
Travelers and digital nomads can take inspiration from the scenic marathon and cycling routes that weave through urban skylines and coastal trails across the Greater Bay Area, spotlighting new horizons for sustainable, immersive travel.
As China accelerates integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the 15th National Games leave a lasting legacy of unity, innovation and sporting excellence.
Reference(s):
15th National Games highlights characteristics of Greater Bay Area
cgtn.com
