China Racket Sports Equipment Market Overview, 2031

The China racket sports equipment market is driven by the country’s large population, growing middle class, and increasing participation in both recreational and competitive racket sports. Tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash, and emerging sports like pickleball and padel are gaining traction across urban and suburban regions, supported by schools, universities, municipal sports centers, and private clubs. Table tennis, in particular, holds a special place in China’s sports culture, with widespread participation at the grassroots level, school programs, and national training centers, creating consistent demand for paddles, balls, and related accessories. Badminton is another major segment, especially popular in urban communities and professional leagues, with strong demand for rackets, shuttlecocks, nets, and performance gear. Tennis and squash are increasingly popular in metropolitan areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where private clubs and international-standard courts encourage recreational play and competitive engagement. Pickleball and padel are emerging niche sports, introduced mainly in expatriate communities and urban social clubs, gradually expanding interest among younger and affluent demographics. Chinese consumers are highly diverse in purchasing behavior, balancing affordability, durability, and performance, with increasing interest in technologically advanced equipment that enhances player comfort and game performance. Regional differences also affect market dynamics, with larger urban centers driving premium equipment sales, while smaller cities and rural areas prioritize multi-purpose, cost-effective sports gear suitable for recreational and school-based play. Overall, China’s racket sports equipment market is characterized by a combination of traditional sports culture, rapid urbanization, and growing health and fitness awareness, fueling sustained demand across multiple segments.

According to the research report, "" China Racket Sports Equipment Market Overview, 2031,"" published by Bonafide Research, the China Racket Sports Equipment market is anticipated to add to USD 210 Million by 2026–31. Innovation and market development in China’s racket sports equipment market are strongly influenced by technology adoption, digital retail growth, and government-led sports promotion initiatives. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on lightweight materials, ergonomic designs, and vibration-reduction technology to improve comfort and performance for recreational and competitive players. Smart and connected equipment, such as sensor-enabled rackets and training aids, is becoming more common, reflecting China’s broader interest in digital fitness and data-driven performance tracking. Sustainability and environmental considerations are also emerging trends, with some brands introducing recyclable materials and eco-conscious manufacturing practices to align with growing awareness among consumers. E-commerce and omnichannel retail platforms are critical in the Chinese market, offering wide access to domestic and international brands, particularly for consumers in second- and third-tier cities where physical retail infrastructure may be limited. School programs, municipal leagues, university competitions, and local tournaments serve as key drivers of equipment demand, encouraging first-time adoption, repeat purchases, and long-term engagement. A distinctive feature of the Chinese market is the strong role of government-backed sports initiatives and public investment in sports infrastructure, which ensures structured participation and mass engagement in racket sports across age groups. Combined with rising disposable incomes and urban lifestyle trends, these factors create a robust, rapidly growing market for racket sports equipment in China, with opportunities for both traditional and technologically advanced products.

Rackets and paddles dominate overall revenue, as tennis, badminton, and emerging sports like pickleball and padel gain popularity among recreational players and competitive athletes alike. China’s tennis equipment market is especially notable for high volumes of mid‑ to high‑tier rackets that appeal to a growing base of club players and fitness‑oriented consumers in urban areas, where tennis club networks, academies, and leisure courts have expanded rapidly. China has a long badminton tradition that fuels strong replacement cycles, high consumer engagement, and a vibrant market for both beginner and professional‑grade rackets. Pickleball paddles and related gear are increasingly appearing on retail shelves in urban centers, as the sport’s social, easy‑to‑learn nature attracts active adults and youth seeking new leisure formats. Balls and shuttles represent a consistently high‑volume segment because these consumables are regularly replaced by recreational and competitive players; tennis balls are purchased by clubs, schools, and tennis enthusiasts, while shuttlecocks — both feather and nylon varieties — are staples in badminton play across community centers, parks, and indoor facilities. Bags have evolved beyond simple carriers into stylish, multi‑compartment designs that cater to urban lifestyles, with strong demand for products that combine utility, durability, and aesthetics, as players often carry gear between metro stations, fitness clubs, and weekend courts. Eyewear and protective accessories are gaining traction as safety awareness increases, particularly for indoor formats such as squash and pickleball where players seek eye protection and comfort. The “others” category — including overgrips, vibration dampeners, training aids, wearable performance trackers, recovery tools, and technology‑integrated products — thrives in China’s digitally‑enabled sports market, where consumers are increasingly interested in performance tracking, injury prevention, and practice efficiency.

Segmenting the China racket sports equipment market by sports type reveals a dynamic landscape where deeply rooted traditional sports like badminton and table tennis coexist with rapidly expanding interest in tennis, emerging formats like pickleball and padel, and niche indoor sports, creating a diversified demand structure that reflects China’s unique participation patterns and cultural preferences. Badminton is one of the most dominant racket sports in China, with participation spanning from grassroots recreational play in parks and community centers to elite training academies and school programs. This extensive engagement translates into consistently strong demand for badminton rackets, shuttlecocks, strings, grips, and professional accessories tailored for both casual and competitive use. Table tennis — often regarded as China’s “national sport” in terms of cultural penetration — has a massive base of players across all age groups, supported by widespread availability of tables and facilities in schools, workplaces, and community hubs; this translates into continual turnover of paddles, balls, and training aids, making it one of the most resilient equipment segments. Tennis has experienced rapid growth in recent years, particularly in major urban areas where private clubs, public courts, and youth development programs have proliferated. Chinese consumers increasingly view tennis not only as a competitive sport but also as a lifestyle and fitness activity, driving demand for tennis rackets, balls, footwear, bags, and apparel that appeal to both recreational players and aspiring competitors. Pickleball is gaining traction among active adults and young professionals in metropolitan centers, capitalizing on its easy learning curve and social play format; this has stimulated early‑stage demand for paddles, balls, nets, and beginner‑oriented gear. Padel, while at an earlier adoption stage compared to badminton and tennis, is also expanding in popularity in select cities with multi‑sport complexes that promote variety and social engagement. Squash and other indoor racket sports maintain niche but loyal followings, with dedicated players supporting demand for specialized rackets and protective accessories.

Men have traditionally been a major segment of equipment consumption, particularly in sports such as badminton, tennis, squash, and emerging formats like pickleball; male players often invest in performance‑oriented rackets, customization options (such as grip size and string tension), and regular replacement of consumables like balls and grips due to frequent play and competitive involvement in clubs or casual leagues. This segment’s equipment preferences tend toward durability, technical specifications, and advanced gear that supports consistent practice and performance improvement. Women represent a rapidly expanding end‑user group in China’s racket sports ecosystem, participating actively in badminton, tennis, table tennis, and increasingly in pickleball and padel, supported by community fitness initiatives, social play formats, and lifestyle‑driven engagement in sport. Women’s equipment choices often emphasize ergonomics, comfort, and aesthetic design, with rising demand for lightweight rackets, coordinated gear sets, and performance apparel that blends functionality with style for both recreational and competitive contexts. The involvement of women in club leagues, group fitness programs, and school sports has driven broader representation across age groups, making this segment increasingly influential in shaping product offerings and marketing approaches. The kids segment is especially critical for long‑term market sustainability in China, as early exposure to racket sports is promoted through school physical education, youth training academies, and family‑oriented recreational programs. Junior‑specific rackets, beginner‑focused kits, protective gear, and colorful, age‑appropriate accessories are widely purchased by parents seeking to support children’s physical development, skill progression, and social engagement. While the kids segment may contribute a smaller share of immediate revenue compared to adult purchases, it plays a pivotal role in cultivating future loyalty and sustained participation as young players mature into regular recreational users or competitive athletes.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Racket Sports Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Rackets & Paddles
• Balls & Shuttles
• Bags
• Eyewear
• Others (Performance Accessories, Gear , Wearable Accessories, Training Aids)

By Sports Type
• Tennis
• Table Tennis
• Badminton
• Squash
• Pickelball
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Online Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Others

By End-Users
• Men
• Women
• Kids Show more