By Manoj Karki
Introduction
China’s remarkable rise as an Olympic superpower has captured the attention of the world. Over the past two decades, China’s journey from a relatively minor player in global sports to a dominant Olympic force reflects its broader aspirations for global influence. This transformation, achieved through deliberate policies and significant investments, offers valuable lessons for India, a nation with immense potential yet struggling to replicate similar success on the Olympic stage. For India, understanding and adapting some of these strategies could unlock new avenues for success in global sports competitions, particularly at the Olympics. By examining China’s rise to Olympic dominance, India can draw lessons on how to leverage its strengths and overcome the challenges that have hindered its progress in sports on the world stage.
China’s Olympic Journey
China’s journey in the Olympics began humbly, with sporadic participation and limited success in the early years. Before the turn of the millennium, China’s presence at the Olympics was modest. However, the 2008 Beijing Olympics marked a turning point. Not only did China top the medal tally for the first time, but it also showcased its ability to organize an event of such magnitude with flawless precision. This success was the culmination of years of meticulous planning, strategic investments in sports infrastructure, and a centralized approach to talent development.
Since the 2008 Beijing Games, China has consistently performed among the top nations in subsequent Olympics. The Chinese government’s commitment to sports, viewing it as a means of enhancing national prestige and fostering unity, has been evident in the systematic and sustained support provided to athletes. This development strategy reflects China’s long-term vision for sports as a symbol of national strength and identity.
Key Strategies Behind China’s Success
Centralized Sports System
A cornerstone of China’s Olympic success is its highly centralized sports system. The government plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing young talent through a network of specialized sports schools. This begins at a young age, where potential athletes are scouted and trained intensively. The state provides significant resources, ensuring access to top-notch facilities, coaching, and a comprehensive support system that includes psychological and nutritional needs throughout an athlete’s career. Scholars like Zheng & Chen (2016) and Hong & Zhouxiang (2012) emphasize how this approach has been crucial in sustaining China’s Olympic success. Similarly, Hong et al. (2007) highlight how this centralized model nurtured Olympic talent.
Investment in Sports Infrastructure
China’s investment in sports infrastructure is unparalleled, with the nation consistently allocating significant financial resources to develop world-class facilities. This transformation can be traced back to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which marked a pivotal turning point. For instance, China invested an estimated $40 billion in preparation for the event, covering not only the construction of sports facilities but also broader urban infrastructure improvements, such as new subway lines, highways, and airport expansions. The Bird’s Nest National Stadium, constructed at a cost of $423 million, and the Water Cube National Aquatics Centre, which required an investment of $140 million, exemplify the scale of these investments.
Following the 2008 Olympics, China’s investment in sports infrastructure continued to grow. From 2010 to 2015, the country spent an estimated $6 billion upgrading sports facilities nationwide. This effort focused on expanding access to sports facilities across the country, particularly in rural areas. The shift from urban to rural investment strategies broadened China’s talent pool for future Olympic athletes, as discussed by Hu (2024).
For the 2022 Winter Olympics, China allocated $3.9 billion, focusing on winter sports facilities such as ski resorts, ice rinks, and training centres. This strategic investment aimed to diversify China’s sporting prowess beyond traditional summer sports and establish the country as a leading nation in winter sports.
International Collaboration
Recognizing the importance of global expertise, China has strategically partnered with foreign coaches and trainers to enhance its athletes’ skills. By blending traditional training techniques with international practices, such as recruiting foreign coaches and integrating sports science, China has exposed its athletes to various competitive environments. Partnerships with nations like the U.S., Russia, and Germany provided Chinese athletes with different training methodologies, contributing significantly to their resilience and performance on the global stage. This influence of foreign expertise is well-documented by Chen & Chen (2021) illustrating how Chinese athletes gained a competitive edge through these collaborations.
Long-term Vision and Planning
China’s approach to the Olympics is characterized by a long-term vision and meticulous planning, guided by a series of strategic government documents and policies. For instance, the Outline for Building a Leading Sports Nation (2019) sets the ambitious goal of establishing China as a global sports leader by 2035. This strategy builds on earlier initiatives, such as the National Fitness Program, first introduced in 1995 and regularly updated to encourage mass participation in sports. Additionally, China’s Outline for the Strategic Development of Sports in China provided a decade-long framework to enhance sports infrastructure and competitive performance, particularly leading up to and following the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Scholars such as Zheng et al. (2018) and Tan & Green (2008) have analyzed how these initiatives evolved from basic infrastructure and public health to international competitiveness and sports diplomacy.
Challenges and Criticisms
While China’s Olympic success is commendable, it has not been without criticism. The country’s intense focus on sports excellence, particularly the practice of starting rigorous training at a young age, has raised concerns about the physical and mental well-being of athletes. Social and ethical issues, such as the pressures on young athletes and early specialization, remain points of contention. These issues are highlighted by Cao & Zhiwei (2008), who discuss how the emphasis on winning medals can sometimes overshadow broader efforts to promote mass participation in sports among the general population.
Lessons for India
India’s sporting culture has deep roots, dating back thousands of years. Traditional sports like wrestling (Kushti) and archery have been integral to Indian society since ancient times, with wrestling holding a prominent place in Indian culture. The ancient practice of Malla-Yuddha (traditional Indian wrestling) has survived through centuries and remains popular today, with mentions in historical texts such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayan.
During the colonial period, British-introduced sports like cricket, hockey, and football gained popularity. Cricket, in particular, grew to become India’s most followed sport. However, India’s Olympic successes have primarily come in individual sports, such as wrestling, shooting, and badminton. The rise of initiatives like Khelo India, launched in 2018, is starting to shift the focus toward broader participation in sports and the development of Olympic-level athletes.
India can chart a path to greater success on the global stage by learning from China’s example. Focusing on centralized sports development, increasing investment in sports infrastructure, nurturing talent from the grassroots level, integrating sports science, and balancing elite sports with mass participation are key strategies that India can adopt.
Centralized Sports Development
A cornerstone of China’s Olympic success is its highly centralized sports system, where the government plays a crucial role in scouting, training, and developing athletes. India, with its federal structure, faces unique challenges in implementing a similar model, but adopting a more coordinated national approach could yield significant benefits.
Currently, India’s sports development is largely state-driven, leading to disparities in resources and outcomes between states. For example, Haryana, which comprises 2.09% of India’s population according to the 2011 census, contributed 66.66% of the medals India won at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing how focused state-level policies can lead to impressive achievements. Expanding the reach and resources of national initiatives like the Sports Authority of India (SAI) could further enhance India’s sports performance, as demonstrated in the success of India’s athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Increased Investment in Sports Infrastructure
India’s investment in sports infrastructure remains modest, especially compared to countries like China. In the 2024-25 budget, India allocated around ₹3,442.32 crore towards sports initiatives, a notable increase from previous years, largely driven by the Khelo India program. However, this spending represents only about 0.1% of India’s GDP, a stark contrast to China’s substantial investments in sports.
Programs like Khelo India aim to enhance sports infrastructure across the country, focusing on creating state-of-the-art facilities and promoting grassroots sports. However, disparities persist between Indian states, with regions like Haryana and Punjab receiving better funding and infrastructure for sports such as wrestling and hockey. Expanding these programs and ensuring equitable distribution of resources will be crucial for India to compete more effectively on the global stage.
Talent Identification and Nurturing
India must prioritize grassroots programs that identify and nurture talent from a young age. The Khelo India initiative is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to scale up these programs and ensure they reach even the most remote parts of the country. By providing young athletes with resources and support early on, India can build a stronger foundation for future Olympic success.
Focus on Sports Science and Coaching
India can learn from China’s emphasis on scientific training methods and international coaching expertise. By blending traditional practices with modern sports science, Indian athletes can enhance their global performance. Incorporating international coaching expertise and investing in research and development in sports sciences could lead to significant improvements in athlete performance, as seen in China’s Olympic success.
Balancing Elite and Mass Sports
While India must focus on elite sports to achieve Olympic success, it should not lose sight of promoting mass participation in sports. Encouraging a culture of sports at all levels of society will not only broaden the talent pool but also contribute to a healthier and more active nation. This dual approach will ensure that the benefits of sports are widely felt beyond the elite athletes.
Conclusion
As of the latest Olympics held in Paris, China’s medal tally stands at 91 (Gold: 40, Silver: 27, Bronze: 24), while India has secured 6 medals (Gold: 0, Silver: 1, Bronze: 5). China’s ascent to Olympic superpower status is a testament to the country’s strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and commitment to sports development. India’s journey to Olympic success will require strategic reforms and a national commitment to sports development. By building on existing initiatives like Khelo India and learning from China’s strategic investments, India can unlock its athletic potential and take its place among the global sports superpowers. Sports can serve as a powerful tool for national development, uniting people and instilling a sense of pride and achievement.
This is an Original Contribution to the SIS Blog.
Manoj Karki is pursuing his post-graduation in Politics (specialization in International Relations) at the School of International Studies (SIS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India.