Lifelong partnership

The meaningful links made through sports can lead to lifelong partnerships. A CrossFit gym in Tianjin recently celebrated the marriage of two members who met while training.

"They were both introverted individuals who might never have connected in a traditional social setting. But the supportive atmosphere of the gym, where members often share breakfast after morning workouts, helped act as a catalyst for their relationship," Ding said.

She believes regular attendance and deeper engagement in the yoga community are prerequisites for meaningful relationships to develop. "It's through special events, like outdoor activities or themed gatherings, that deeper bonds form," said Ding.

These organized activities, whether at scenic locations or themed venues, provide opportunities for carpooling, sharing meals, and deeper interactions that build lasting bonds.

"Sports-social activities represent a new way of connecting for busy urban professionals, while they can't replace traditional friendships, they offer a practical solution for modern lives," Ding said.

As this trend continues to grow, particularly among younger people seeking alternatives to traditional social gatherings, some participants are reassessing their priorities. After four years, Ding now focuses more on the physical benefits of her yoga classes while remaining open to social connections that develop naturally.

"At my age, I find myself less drawn to the superficiality of belonging to a group and more interested in cultivating deeper, more refined emotional connections. However, such friendships are rare, and while I enjoy the potential for connection through sports, I prefer to focus on the sport itself until the right opportunity arises," she said.