Xi meets Chinese sports delegation, praises Olympians for bringing glory to their country

Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, met all members of the Chinese sports delegation for the 33rd Summer Olympics at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of August 20. He stressed that the team at the Paris Olympics stood united as one, fought hard and courageously pursued excellence, fulfilled its mission and achieved the best results in the history of China’s participation in the Summer Olympics abroad. This achievement marked a double victory in both competitive results and sportsmanship, which brought honor to the nation and the people, he said. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Xi welcomed the delegation, warmly congratulated the members and conveyed sincere greetings to all comrades in the sports sector across the country.

Also present at the meeting were Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Li Xi, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice President Han Zheng.

The Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People was filled with a festive and lively atmosphere. At around 3:20 p.m., Xi and other party and state leaders arrived to join the delegation members, greeted by prolonged and enthusiastic applause from the entire room. Xi and the other leaders warmly shook hands with everyone and took group photos to commemorate the occasion.

Amid enthusiastic applause, Xi delivered an important speech. He said that the outstanding performance of the Chinese sports delegation is not only a concentrated reflection of the progress and development of China’s sports activities, but also a microcosm of the achievements in China’s modernization, which fully demonstrates China’s strength in the new era. When the country prospers, sports prospers; when the country is strong, sports are strong. The fundamental reason why China has joined the ranks of the world’s leading sports nations and become a major Olympic player is the country’s growing national strength. This has provided solid technological and material support for sports training, as well as a good environment and broad foundation for the cultivation of talents in various sports. In the new era and on the new journey, efforts to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization will undoubtedly provide better conditions for and give strong impetus to the development of China’s sports industry. China should continue to vigorously develop sports with a people-oriented approach, promote the deep integration of national fitness and health initiatives, and continuously work towards the goals of building China into a sports giant and a healthy nation.

Xi pointed out that the outstanding performance of the Chinese delegation carried forward the Chinese sports spirit and the Olympic spirit, allowing the spirit of the Chinese nation and the spirit of the times to shine together. They vividly embodied the spirit of China in the new era. On the field, everyone kept in mind the confidence of the Party and the people, with bold promises such as “National honor always surpasses individual glory” and “I dedicate this gold medal to our great motherland.” These words resounded with conviction, showing a deep love for the motherland and a determination to bring glory to the nation. They also showed the indomitable fighting spirit, unwavering belief in victory, the invaluable quality of teamwork and the confident, optimistic and friendly attitude of the new generation of Chinese youth. You have shown to the world the profound heritage of China’s fine traditional culture, the openness, inclusiveness and enterprising spirit of modern China, and the determination, invincible spirit and confidence of the Chinese people. The motherland and its people are proud of you and applaud your achievements.

Xi stressed that the Chinese delegation had made efforts to win gold medals in morality, conduct and integrity, and had demonstrated sportsmanship and earned widespread respect and recognition, fully revealing China’s image in the new era. On the field, everyone followed the rules, respected their opponents, referees and spectators, and maintained good sportsmanship and civil etiquette. They remained humble in victory and resilient in defeat. They won gold medals in competition, morality and sportsmanship.

Noting that preparations for the next Olympic Games have begun, Xi expressed the hope that the country’s Olympians will remain humble and continue to make efforts to improve their performance in training and competition. Efforts should be made to further develop strengths and address weaknesses, accelerate talent development and ensure high-quality preparations. Competitive sports and mass sports complement each other. He hoped that the Olympians will help further enhance the overall strength of competitive sports, promote national fitness and the vigorous development of youth sports, and make new contributions to building the country into a sports superpower.

The meeting was also attended by Wang Yi, Liu Guozhong, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong and Chen Wu, along with leading officials from relevant central party and state organs, as well as leading officials from sports departments of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.