Abstract: With the review of great achievements in the construction of a leading sporting nation since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the foundation of sports development in China is clarified. And, with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, the theoretical connotation, mission and realization of the path in building a leading sporting nation in the new era are analyzed. It holds that the leading sporting nation in the new era is a socialist sporting power under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, characterized by both the world's leading sporting nations and Chinese characteristics based on its own national conditions. Promoting the high-quality development of sports is the primary task of the construction in leading a sporting nation in the new era, which should be centered on the inherent requirements of stronger spirit, richer materials, stronger system, better coordination and integration. The modernization of sports with Chinese characteristics is the necessary way for the construction of a leading sporting nation in the new era, and the key path to promote its modernization should follow the establishment of sports cultural confidence, public participation and whole-nation health, etc.