Reviving the “Long March” spirit in Chinese sports amidst widening corruption allegations

China, a nation deeply passionate about sports, has seen an unprecedented rise in sports over the last two decades. But, with increasing allegations of corruption and financial irregularities, the sports industry has been hit hard. In the past, China has been plagued by scandals that have resembled the Communist party’s “Long March,” a period that saw the party suffer significant losses while on the move. However, the solution isn’t to abandon a love of sports but to drastically change the system’s structures entirely.

The Rise and Downfall of Chinese Sports Industry

China’s sports industry once held pride of place in the country’s national narrative through the success the country’s athletes had in international competitions. As the country took on a more prominent role on the world stage, sports took on added meaning, reinforcing China’s national identity and building capability to take on the world’s more significant challenges. But the rise of sports was no accident; it was the product of intensive government backing and massive funding for sports events, construction of stadiums, and sports centres. Currently, the country is embroiled in financial scandals and allegations of corruption that have led to investigations, arrests, and imprisonments over the last few years.

Reviving Long March Spirit in Chinese Sports

The nation must revive a “Long March” spirit to revive the country’s sports industry. The Long March was a brutal journey that former Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong made with a small army of soldiers. They marched for over a year and covered around 8,000 miles. Over 90 per cent of the original fighters died in battle, drowned in river crossings, or died of hunger and disease. Despite the sufferings, they marched on, occupying strongholds, and laying the foundation for future rise to power. China can draw lessons from this period to reinvigorate a sports industry that has lost its way.

Reforming Sports Systems in China

One major step to revive the industry would be to combat corruption among officials and to have public prosecution for fraudulent cases. To make changes, the government should promote greater transparency in sports management, team selection transparency, media supervision, and implementing public supervision. In addition, the government should develop ways to reward those who strive to be more self-disciplined, and those who expose rampant cheating and corruption.

Conclusion

Sports are an essential part of national identity in the country, and its success has a significant impact on the nation’s reputation. Corruption allegations that have engulfed the system are hurting the nation’s credibility globally. The solution lies in a change in the system’s policies and the eradication of corruption. Adopting lessons from the “Long March” period, admiring the unyielding spirit of the past, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. This may help to reignite the passion for sports among Chinese athletes and inspire a new generation of athletes who can uphold the country’s sporting legacy.

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In conclusion, to rejuvenate China’s sports industry, it needs to learn from Chinese history and the resilience shown during the ‘Long March.’ The new government must eradicate corruption, promote transparency in sports management, reward self-disciplined sportsmen/women, and root out any ill practices. This, in turn, will reignite the passion for sports, building a new generation of athletes, and sustaining the country’s sporting legacy. #NEWS