Striking a Balance in China's Sports Landscape, Addressing Idolization and Privacy Concerns

Overzealous Fan Support of Athletes Raises Concerns in China

The fervent support of celebrity athletes in China has become a cause for concern, with policy advisors and legislators calling for action against blind idolization. This issue has come to light during the ongoing two sessions, with prominent sports figures like Yang Yang, Zhang Yufei, and Liu Guoliang voicing their support for curbing this trend.

One example of this excessive fan behavior is the case of diving phenom Quan Hongchan. During the Spring Festival, her home village in Zhanjiang was swarmed by extreme fans, prompting the deployment of an anti-drone system to protect her privacy. This incident highlights the severity of the "fandom" culture, where fans engage in irrational adulation and worship of sports stars.

Yang Yang, a gold medal-winning short-track speed skater and member of the CPPCC National Committee, believes that there should be a clear distinction between passionate support and blind idolization. She argues that such behavior can harm the athletes themselves, negatively impacting their mental and physical well-being.

Other prominent figures like Zhang Yufei, a world-class swimmer, and Liu Guoliang, president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, have also expressed their support for addressing this issue. They believe that it is important to promote healthy and respectful fan behavior that does not compromise the athletes' well-being.

The two sessions provide a platform for discussing and addressing this growing concern. Policymakers and legislators are working to develop strategies to curb excessive fan behavior and promote a more balanced and respectful approach to supporting athletes.