On July 26, the 33rd Summer Olympic Games officially opened in Paris, France. This edition of the Olympics will transform the city itself into a sprawling venue, and for the first time, will feature sports such as breakdancing, skateboarding, rock climbing, and surfing. These additions mark a significant shift towards the modernization of the Olympic movement.
Why are these “niche sports” now included in the Olympics? How can we interpret sports through the lens of the Olympic Games? To explore these questions, China News Agency recently interviewed Xiao Shen.
Xiao Shen is a prominent sports commentator. His expertise spans a range of sports, including American football, cycling, baseball, ice hockey, and soccer. With extensive experience in news media, event organization, and sports companies, Xiao Shen excels in analyzing both the technical and tactical dimensions of sports, and possesses in-depth knowledge of the sports industry.
The Paris Olympics will feature four new sports—breakdancing, skateboarding, rock climbing, and surfing. What motivated the inclusion of these sports, which might be considered niche, in the Olympic program?
First, it’s important to recognize that the term niche sports can be misleading. While some sports may be considered niche in China, they can be highly popular in other countries and regions. For instance, football is the leading sport in the United States, and baseball holds the top spot in Japan, whereas they are relatively less prominent in China. Conversely, table tennis and badminton are highly developed in China but may be less popular elsewhere.
Sports encompass a broad spectrum, and we should move beyond traditional classifications of mass versus niche, mainstream versus non-mainstream, or Olympic versus non-Olympic. Instead, we should evaluate sports based on their societal impact, popularity, and their connections to culture, economy, and daily life to gain a more nuanced understanding.
The inclusion of new sports in the Olympics reflects the event’s and the sports’ evolving needs. The Games aim to embrace modernity and youthfulness, and adding sports like breakdancing, skateboarding, and rock climbing injects fresh energy and demonstrates the Olympics’ commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. These sports attract younger audiences and underscore the role of sports in engaging diverse groups.
Furthermore, these new sports benefit from the Olympic platform to enhance their visibility and influence. They not only offer entertainment but also represent the aspirations of specific communities. This mutual benefit aligns with the fundamental principles of sports and their role in society.
There is ongoing debate about whether breakdancing qualifies as a sport. What is your perspective on this issue?
The debate over whether these programs qualify as real sports is not particularly productive. Such discussions often distract from a deeper understanding and can widen existing gaps. Sports culture is fundamentally inclusive and transcends boundaries. The focus should be on how sports can foster communication among diverse groups and contribute to global unity, especially given the current international context. I believe the addition of new sports to the Olympics should be viewed through this broader, more inclusive lens.
How do Eastern and Western countries differ in their understanding of sports and the Olympic Games, and what are the key similarities between these perspectives?
The development of sports varies significantly across countries due to differing socio-economic and cultural factors. It is not necessary to rank these differences as high or low, good or bad. The crucial issue is understanding the role of sports in society and how to maximize its benefits.
In many sports-developed countries in Europe and the United States, the most valuable elements of their sports systems are their community roots and societal contributions. These aspects are fundamental for the industrialization and commercialization of sports and distinguish it from mere entertainment.
Historically, our understanding of sports has been somewhat narrow. For example, China has often focused on athletic success as measured by gold medals, educational achievements based on standardized tests, and high-intensity participation.
While public opinion is beginning to shift regarding the first two points, the third—centering on high-intensity participation—remains contentious. Effective promotion of sports should focus on lowering barriers to participation rather than increasing them. Participation should encompass more than competitive events like marathons or cycling races; it should also include enjoying the experience and fostering inclusivity.
While the outcome of individual matches is undeniably important, sports should not be viewed solely in terms of short-term victories or losses. Instead, the development of the sports industry and sports education should be seen as a long-term, systematic project with significant social implications.
How can sports be understood as the ‘language of globalization’?
Sports having no borders underscores the cultural commonalities that exist across different sports. For example, American football, deeply rooted in American culture, emphasizes values such as teamwork, hard work, and confrontation—principles that resonate with societies around the world. Similarly, Chinese traditional sports carry diverse values internationally, highlighting the need for careful consideration in future promotional efforts.
Sports possess significant cultural attributes and are intricately connected to daily life across the globe, making them a universal language for humanity. In an era marked by rising anti-globalization sentiments, sports play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. The Olympic Games, as the world’s largest sporting event, also serve as a major platform for cultural interaction. Effectively leveraging this platform to maximize the impact of sports is a critical challenge for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and individual nations alike.
What strategies can be employed to promote sports for all and enhance the overall value of sports in society?
Understanding the true nature and social value of sports requires recognizing that it extends far beyond mere competition and performance. Sports not only generate substantial economic benefits but also offer significant cultural advantages.
To achieve the universalization of sports, it is crucial to reintegrate them into communities and schools, emphasizing their public welfare and educational roles. Building a solid grassroots foundation is the first step before expanding the industrial base. The connection between sports and the economy should not be seen as a dependency where sports develop only after the economy does, but rather as a dynamic where sports act as a driving force for economic development.
Over the past decades, the role of sports as a form of soft power in culture and diplomacy has become well-established. While direct approaches are essential for strategic objectives, sometimes indirect methods can be even more impactful.
Source: China News, Inside the Games, TV News Check, EuroNews
