Research On Mao Zedong 's Sports Thought And Its Contemporary Value

Sports thought is an important part of Mao Zedong thought. It is of great significance to the development of sports in China and the improvement of the quality of the nation by studying Mao Zedong’ sports thought, introducing its formation thread and basic content and summarizing its characteristics and value.During Mao Zedong’ leadership on Chinese revolution and construction and his direction of the development of China’s sports cause especially since the foundation of new China, Mao Zedong’ sports thought was formed under the guidance of the sports discussion of classical writers such as Max, inherited the essence of Chinese traditional sports and constantly summarized the practical experience of Chinese sports. According to the formation and history, it can be roughly divided into three stages: formation period(1917-1952), developing period(1952-1966) and distortion period(1966-1976).Rich in content, Mao Zedong’s sports thought involves all aspects of sports and formed a compete theoretical system. It mainly includes five aspects: the first one is the theory of sports function. Mao Zedong systematically discussed the function and value of sports from different aspects such as from individual to the state. Besides, many theories were put forward--“sports can strengthen body and will ” and sports support country’ prosperity and international status.The second one is social sports thought. Serving the people is the starting point and ultimate objective and value of Mao Zedong’ sports thought. It is on this premise, Mao Zedong put forward many social sports concepts--“develop sports and strengthen body”, widely carry out mass sports activities, do exercise with consciousness and develop lifelong sports. The third one is ideology of sports competition, where Mao Zedong proposed some views such as cultivation of elite athletes being both socialist-minded and professionally competent, against“championships” which means that only see results with any price and “friendship first,competition second”. The fourth one is military sports thought. Originated from revolution and war, Mao Zedong’ sports thought emphasized on military sports and formed a series of conclusions including “only body can fight against enemy ” and “keep fit to defend motherland”.The fifth one is the ideology of physical education. Regarding sports as the foundation of moral intellectual education, Mao Zedong put forward “health first, study second” and stressed thatphysical education should be both reinforced and improved, combines with military training and strengthen interest.Mao Zedong’s sports thought is a scientific sports theory, which came from practice, served the public and profoundly revealed the regulation of sports. In line with China’s national conditions, it has many distinctive characteristics of the time--practice, politics, science and popularity, which played a significant role in the promotion of China’s sports undertakings.There are its main historical values: firstly, build people’s health and improve the health level;secondly, revive Chinese spirit--constantly strive for improvement and work hard; thirdly,improve the competitive level; fourthly, enhance the communication and friendship between countries.As the guidance of sports, Mao Zedong’ sports thought deep revealed the law of the development of China’s sports and aligned with national priorities. It not only directed and promoted sports since the foundation of China, but also provided programmes of actions in new times, which help China transfer from developing sports and a sports giant to a sports power.What is more, the principles Mao Zedong put forward still has realistic significance, which are adhering to the direction of sports for people, principle of combination of popularization and improvement, “health first” and promoting quality education.