Sports associations unite against toxic fan culture

Chinese player Chen Meng (right) and Sun Yingsha hug after playing in the women's table tennis singles final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 3, 2024. Photo: VCG

The Chinese Gymnastics Association and the Chinese Table Tennis Association issued statements on Saturday expressing support for law enforcement's crackdown on illegal activities related to a toxic fan culture in the sport.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Public Security released details of four typical cases of illegal activities related to toxic fan culture in sports.

In one case, police investigated an incident in which a person named Yang was found to have publicly insulted a gymnast on social media, which caused considerable public outrage and led to administrative action.

The Chinese Gymnastics Association condemned the spread of baseless rumors, incitement of public outrage and all defamatory attacks against gymnasts, coaches and staff.

“These measures not only have a profoundly negative impact on the work, lives and families of those involved, but also undermine the long-standing tradition of unity and patriotism that characterizes the Chinese gymnastics team,” the association said.

“The development of gymnastics in China depends on the support and care of the entire society. We are deeply grateful to the many gymnastics fans who have stood by the team through thick and thin.”

The Chinese Table Tennis Association also expressed its support for the rigorous action on Saturday and condemned any form of illegal activities.

The association found that the toxic fan culture had significantly disrupted the Chinese table tennis team's normal training and competition schedule, affecting the work, lives and families of athletes, coaches and staff, and had harmful social consequences.

Chen Meng, 30, who won the gold medal in women's singles table tennis at the Paris Olympics, was asked about recent law enforcement actions against toxic fan behavior in sports.

“Fans always want to see their favorite athletes win, but in sports there will always be winners and losers. I hope fans can face this reality,” Chen said. “People who follow sports must be mentally prepared to accept victory and defeat. This is the essence of competitive sports.”

“I also hope that fans will pay more attention to the fighting spirit of the athletes on the field and their courage in the face of challenges,” Chen added.

Global times