Political adviser Yao Ming urged the country to shift its sports focus from winning medals to cultivating a mature professional league system as China vows to become a strong sporting nation.

Noting the National Basketball Association's contribution to the game's athletic and commercial success in the United States, Yao, a member of China's top political advisory body, has suggested that the country should upgrade its own professional league system by optimizing management and improving commercial operations.

"To build a strong sporting nation is not just about winning gold medals, but also developing mass fitness, sports industry and sports culture comprehensively. The sound operation of professional sports leagues is at the center of the quest," Yao said during a speech at the Great Hall of the People on Friday.