In the spirit of the Olympics, I thought I would use this post as a chance to focus on the issue of China blocking Taiwanese athletes from competing in certain sports. This is according to Foreign Policy and Taipei Times. It is reported that “China was successful in banning Taiwan from participation in high profile sports such as cycling, wrestling and volleyball.” It is also said that this has produced a greater interest in winter sports in Taiwan which citizens would have the opportunity to compete competitively in.
This is where Chih-Hung Ma comes in. During the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last Friday night, he marched as the only competing athlete (competing in luge) under the Chinese Taipei flag. Ironically, he walked between Switzerland and Tajikistan: exactly where Taiwan would fit alphabetically.
While it’s wonderful that Taiwanese athletes can compete somewhat separately from China (as Chinese Taipei), it is unfortunate that they are forcibly isolated from participating in certain sports, as well as viewing them. In an interview with Chih-Hung Ma, he spoke of his excitement that Taiwan citizens will be able to watch Olympics coverage this year:
“Taiwan has broadcast rights this time. [This will] let the audience in Taiwan see sports that are uncommon. . .and highlights that they don’t usually see. . . the Olympic broadcast is like public education: It could encourage more Taiwanese to participate [in winter sports], so that we won’t be absent from future Winter Olympics.”
According to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) page on the Olympics website, the IOC’s role is “to act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement.” If the IOC is indeed allowing Taiwan to be banned from competing in certain Olympic sports, then they may need to be refreshed on their mission.
For related photos, click here.
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