China’s General Administration of Sport (GAS) on June 14 announced that, for the first time, the upcoming National Games will extend invitations to overseas Chinese athletes.

According to the invitation letter, sent by the All-China Sports Federation and the Chinese Olympic Committee, the upcoming 13th National Games will be a “brand new” sporting event. The Games will be held between August and September in Tianjin.

“We hereby announce that we invite all high-level Chinese athletes living across the world to join the competitions of these Games. We hope that you can all demonstrate your excellent sports talents and outstanding skills in the National Games,” reads the invitation letter.

The invitation noted that China’s sports industry is undergoing rapid reform, and it is important to learn from international experience to bring more vigor and momentum to China’s sports industry.

Liu Xiaonong, a GAS official, pointed out that many overseas Chinese athletes are outstanding in areas including track and field, swimming, gymnastics, fencing and table tennis. Overseas applicants will play as individuals, and will only be qualified to compete if they are proven capable of winning the top 10 seats in the game, Xinhua News Agency reported.