This is the 318th most frequent Russian word.
рост
Growth; height.
The word 'рост' refers to a person's physical height.
Его рост выше среднего.
His height is above average.
The word 'рост' indicates an increase or growth in an abstract sense, here relating to the economy.
Повышение уровня жизни ведет к росту экономики.
An increase in living standards leads to economic growth.
The word 'рост' is used to denote a rise or growth in popularity or interest in a topic, in this case, sports.