Chinese Sport and Olympics
Chinese Sport and Olympics
Chinese Sport and Olympics
Huan Xiong
University College Cork
Ireland
Outlines
Historical Relations to the Olympics
This slogan strengthened the main function of sport in this period and
contribute to establishing the importance of sport in people’s lives.
‘It was a great victory simply to raise the national flag at the
Olympic Games, whether the PRC could compete in the
events or not. It meant Communist China had won an
important political battle.’
-----Zhou Enlai, 1952 (Prime Minister)
The Changes of Sports Policy
The state soon realised that elite sport had
a powerful function in achieving status on
the international stage.
Sport is not just playing ball. It reflects our country’s
image, force, spirit and the superiority of our socialist
construction. The achievements in sports are the glory of
our country and people.
Focus: Sports Ministry changed its policy from promoting people’s
exercise into producing elite sports stars.
- Methods
To integrate sports administrative system, athletes selective and
management system, sports teams’ training system and sports
competition system and make sure elite sport be guided by the central
government, run by plans, managed by administrative methods.
-It is the embodiment of China’s political objects and
ideologies, which is the specific characteristic from
some western countries.
Centralized Sports Administration
Administrative Structure of Chinese Sport 1956-1996
Central
Government
(State Council)
T he Sports M inistry
Central
Government
(State Council)
Provincial sports
teams and Provincial City and
academies sports county
management sports
centres
committees
Provincial, city
and county’s
sports schools
City sports
management
centres
Resources
Six departments to elite sport, one department to
mass sport in Sports Ministry.
Elite sport consumed 80% of the state’s sporting
budget; elite sports teams are major beneficiaries
Increased professional coaches working in elite
sports teams
Increased research projects associated with the
games and competitions.
Resources
Funds for Outstanding Sports Teams and its percentage in Chinese
Sports Funds 1991-1997
15,924
National A thletes
46,758
Professional A thletes (full-time)
372,290
Youth A thletes in Sports Schools
Sports Training System
Three-level of Training programme.
Full-time professional coaches.
Army training methods (Traditional)
Scientific training methods
Training camp programme.
National and International Competitions.
Olympic Ambitions in 2008
Guidelines: two documents
‘The Outline Strategy for Winning Olympic Medals 2001-2010’
‘The Strategic Plan for Winning Olympic Medals in 2008’