Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Thursday attended a welcome banquet for Taiwan’s delegation to the 2025 Chengdu World Games, where he thanked the athletes and announced a record NT$248 billion (US$8.18 billion) sports budget for next year. He said the funding reflects the government’s strongest commitment yet to supporting athletes and expanding access to sports.

Cho noted that the new Ministry of Sports will officially launch on Sept. 9 as a dedicated Cabinet agency. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) had directed last year that sports funding exceed NT$200 billion (US$6.55 billion), and the Legislature recently approved the higher allocation in the 2026 central government budget. Cho said the record sum underscores Taiwan’s determination to excel in international competition.

According to Cho, policy priorities will include promoting mass participation, strengthening sports organizations, and leveraging Taiwan’s brand to host global tournaments. The government also plans to attract international athletes and visitors, positioning sports as a driver of tourism and domestic demand.

He added that upgraded training facilities, safer venues, and expanded professional resources will be central to the ministry’s mission. The government also aims to develop the sports industry, ensure equal opportunities for athletes, and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into training and competition.