While the 10-mat contract was worth only a modest 2,000 yuan ($280), it was his first step on the road to success in the global market for sports equipment.

Since the beginning, Bian has known that technology is the core of sports equipment.

Today, his company spends an average of 20 million yuan a year on research and development. The investment has resulted in Taishan achieving quality certification from many international sports organizations and paved its way to major international sports events.

With about 2,300 employees, Taishan has a 90-percent share of China's sports event market. In 2005, it supplied more than 92 percent of the equipment used at the 10th National Games.

Taishan equipment and artificial turf are exported to countries in North and South America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. In 2004, it cooperated with Dutch firm J&F Company to supply sports equipment for the Athens Olympics.

"China is the world's largest market for sports equipment, but the industry accounts for just 0.3 to 0.5 percent of the country's GDP," Bian said.

"We need to set up an association to promote and protect China's sports industry."

The CPPCC member has drafted a proposal to suggest the State General Administration of Sports, the governing body of the country's sports development, establish China Sports Industry Association.

"It can provide up-to-date information to Chinese sports equipment manufacturers and work as a platform for communication and exchange between China and other countries."

(China Daily March 18, 2008)