Lu, Zhouxiang
(2012)
China, the Asian Games and Asian politics
(1974–2006).
International Journal of the History of Sport, 29 (1).
pp. 98-112.
ISSN 0952-3367
Abstract
The Asian Games reflected Asian politics and the relationships between Asian
countries. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the Chinese sport in the Asian
context. The Asian Games is the largest sports event in Asia. It is held every four
years for the purpose of developing intercultural knowledge and friendship within
Asia. The Asian Games, from its birth in 1948 was closely linked with policies in
post-colonial and anti-imperial Asia. This was demonstrated in the 4th Asian Games
in Jakarta in 1962 which this work has discussed previously in the contribution
headed ‘Sport, Militarism and Diplomacy: Training Bodies for China (1960–1966)’.
We now will discuss China’s participation in the Games and its relationship with
Asian countries and the political implications.
After the Second World War, Asia experienced an awakening. The collapse of
colonialism generated an upsurge of freedom, friendship and fraternity among Asian
people. Many prominent Asian leaders who had, for decades, waged a determined
struggle against colonial powers began to establish a ‘New Order’ of Asia. G.D.
Sondhi, an Indian, saw it as an opportunity to propose his idea of an ‘All Asian
Games’ to unite the newly independent Asian countries through sports meetings. In
March 1947 when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, held
the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi, Sondhi’s idea impressed the
representatives of various countries at the conference. Sondhi then discussed the
idea with some Asian delegations at the London Olympics in 1948 and he received a
positive response from various countries, including the Republic of China. The
Asian Games Federation (AGF) was established in February 1949 by 11 Asian
countries. It decided to follow the Olympic pattern and hold the games every four
years in Asia. The motto ‘Ever Onward’ symbolised progress in Asia and the
emblem, a full rising sun with 11 rings, symbolised the 11 founding countries. It was
believed that the Asian Games were an opportunity for ‘renewing contact’ among
oriental countries.
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