Rich Chinese splurge on sportswear as luxury's lustre dims

Hong Kong

GPS sport watches, compression leggings and hydration packs are the new must-haves for wealthy Chinese, pumping up the multibillion-dollar sportswear industry at a time when China's elite are reining in spending on more traditional luxury brands.

Extreme-sports apparel and expensive active wear are in vogue thanks in part to government promotion of sport ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and the purchase of the Ironman brand by China's richest tycoon last year.