China plan gives all a sporting chance
- Future elite will rise to surface thanks to natural talent, rather than by officials picking “winners” to be nurtured in rigid state sports system
To anyone familiar with China’s Olympic team and individual performances, including No 1 medal ranking in the 2008 Games, the goal of building a strong sporting nation by 2050 might already seem outdated.
Nonetheless, through reforms of key sports, promotion of mass fitness and development of balanced athletic prowess, that is the aim under a national sport outline.
Released this week by the State Council, China’s cabinet, the plan is to accelerate a number of aspects of sports development, including public participation, high-level performance and international sports exchange, with preferential policies and funding, better facilities and mass fitness activities.
According to the outline, residents will have better access to sports facilities through the efforts of finance, education, urban development and planning authorities.
As a result, by 2035, 45 per cent of the population is expected to be involved in medium intensity exercise three times a week, up from 33.9 per cent last year.