Sports body lowers fitness standards for students

China's sports authority has lowered the required standards for physical performance among students, citing a decline in the general level of fitness among children, but it hopes that better sports education in schools can make a difference.

The State General Administration of Sports announced on Wednesday its revision of national physical exercise standards, saying that standards had been lowered in some areas, particularly for children.

Experts said the body was forced to make the difficult decision to adapt to changing realities.