China started a national sports event on Monday for the employees of central government departments to boost their physical health.

"Sports and the people's health have long been the focus of the (Communist) Party and the government. The event is a key part of our drive to mobilize all Chinese people to exercise and unite government employees," said State Councilor Yang Jing during the opening ceremony.

This year's games, the fourth since 1992, will see more than 10,000 contestants competing in 13 categories, including cycling, tennis and ping-pong, from June to September.

The event is jointly held by the General Administration of Sport and the Work Committee of Central Government Departments under the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Yang expressed his hope that the games would help encourage more government employees to voluntarily boost their physical health.

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli attended the opening ceremony and announced the start of the games.