In China today, there are a variety of sports that are played. Many of the most famous sports are influential to China in some way. These sports have helped to shape modern China’s culture and traditions. Many of these sports are also associated with popular athletes. Here are some of China’s most famous sports:
1) Table Tennis (乒乓球）
Table tennis has become very famous in China today. In fact, ping pong is so famous that it is the national sport. It is the largest recreational sport in China today. Ping pong has also become a symbol of China to other countries today. In 1972, the US ping pong team was invited to play with China’s ping pong team; this is known as “Ping Pong Diplomacy.”
2) Badminton (羽毛球）
Badminton is a racket sport played with a shuttlecock. It is a cheap and simple sport that has become a big part of China’s culture today. Many leagues exist all across China for badminton. Even though it originated in England, badminton has become more popular in China than anywhere else.
3) Shooting (射击）
Shooting has also become famous in China today. A gold medal in shooting was the first gold medal that China won in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
4) Basketball (篮球）
With great Chinese-American basketball players today, basketball has become one of China’s most famous sports. Yao Ming, one of the first and most influential NBA players, sparked the popularity of the sport in China. The National Chinese Basketball Association was established in 1995.
As you can see, China has many famous and influential sports. All of these sports have helped form modern China. Hopefully, you found these sports interesting and learn how to play some as well! Until next time, 再见！
Sources:
http://www.foreignercn.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=348:sports-in-china&catid=1:history-and-culture&Itemid=114
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/popular-sports-in-china.html