Olympics springboard for national health

The central authorities sent a congratulatory message to the country's Olympic delegation on Sunday for their accomplishments and sportsmanship at the Paris Olympic Games. China finished second in the overall medal table at the Games, with 40 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze medals, marking the country's best performance at an overseas Olympic Games.

Apart from commending their outstanding athletic performances and achievements in the message, the central authorities also urged relevant departments to take more concrete actions to promote the vigorous development of mass and youth sports.

It is the fast development of sports at the grassroots level that has laid a solid foundation for the Chinese athletes' dazzling performances on the world stage. More and more people, especially youth, participate in sports, which helps expand the talent pool for competitive sports. Also, a modern sports industry system has been formed that provides support for scientific training and the development of sports.