Sportswear is one of the most fiercely contested markets in China. The nation's ever-swelling consumer classes, and their growing understanding of cultural trends from outside China, have created a huge opportunity for sportswear brands. The race is on to sign up athletes, to associate with popular sports and events, to expand distribution networks, and to maintain the allimportant 'edge' that will win over young consumers. Interestingly, sportswear is one area where local brands vie toe-to-toe with global giants. The past couple of years have seen a major upgrade in ambition by two particular Chinese sportswear companies – Li Ning and Anta. Both have begun signing big-money endorsement deals with overseas sports stars in a bid to raise their profile and boost their brand image at home. In one example, in 2010 Anta signed US basketball star Kevin Garnett, who was previously signed to Adidas. "Garnett in China is the definition of a basketball superstar. His image and influence among Chinese young people are very big," said Zheng Jie, Anta's senior vice-president, at the time. In December 2010, Li Ning launched a viral video summing up this new-found confidence. It portrayed a couple of US customs officials interrogating a young man from China. The officials are unable to believe the Li Ning footwear he is bringing into the US are actually shoes, given the technology involved.