National Games must go on despite troubles, says Xiao

The National Games must go on, a top mainland official insisted yesterday, as the curtain came down on the 12th edition of the showcase event amid a barrage of criticism.

Xiao Tian, the deputy sports minister, said the Games, introduced in 1959, continued to play an important role in the development of elite Chinese sport.

"The National Games is a major component in the elite sports delivery system with special Chinese characteristics in nurturing potential athletes and as a build-up to the next Olympic Games in the four-year cycle," said Xiao.

"Success in sports can showcase the power of China as a nation and promote the name of Chinese sports. China is not the strongest sporting power, especially in a number of events that require a strong physique such as athletics, swimming, cycling and water sports, and the three major ball games - basketball, soccer and volleyball. The National Games have a role to play in helping these sports make progress."

He said setting up age group competitions in the three major ball games at the National Games had made a great impact on identifying young talent. "More young athletes have been able to win medals at their respective world junior championships recently and this is also because of the National Games," he said.

Xiao admitted there were some shortcomings, but they should not abolish the Games because there were problems.