Retired basketball icon Stephon Marbury took part in a panel discussion at the annual Boao Forum for Asia in south China's Hainan Province on Thursday. This year is the fourth time that the organizers have hosted a sports sub-forum aimed at examining the industry's development.

Guests from different fields shared their experiences and opinions on the latest trends in the sector, which include competition, media coverage, reforms and adopting new technologies. The panelists agreed that the sports industry in China continues to move along a path that indicates tremendous potential for future development.

They also discussed possible roadblocks that could create problems, if not handled in an efficient manner.

While making his appearance at the forum, Marbury said: "You can actually see the progression and growth. It may even take a little more time. But throughout my nine years playing basketball here, I have seen the growth and development. I have seen how the guys have progressed. I have seen how the venues have changed from 5,000-seat arenas to 19,000-seat arenas to give more people the opportunities to be able to see the games."

Since retiring last year, after spending the final nine seasons of his career in the Chinese Basketball Association, Marbury has focused on training young players. He also mentioned participating in sports can improve their quality of life, but acknowledged that developing the industry in the world's most populous nation requires patience.