Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

 A number of Chinese national team athletes and coaches disbanded their fan groups on social media recently. This MKsportscollective action is a clear sign of a counter movement against the "irrational" fan culture plaguing the sports sector and sounds a clarion call for a clean and respectful environment within the realm of sports.

On Wednesday, Chinese table tennis Olympic Champion Wang Chuqin disbanded his fan group on Sina Weibo. The move follows several national badminton team players and coaches, including Wang Chang, Liang Weikeng and Chen Qiqiu, disbanding their fan groups on Saturday. 

The General Administration of Sport of China (GAS) on Tuesday called for industry insiders to prioritize the tackling of extreme fan culture as an urgent task at a meeting that involved the Chinese Table Tennis Association and Winter Sports Management Center within the GAS.

Fans' admiration and support for athletes can enhance the market value of athletes and elevate the commercial value of the sport itself. This, in turn, attracts more corporate sponsorships and brings in greater fan engagement, creating a virtuous cycle in which fans also gain emotional fulfillment, Luo Le, a sports scholar at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

"However, when irrational fan culture takes shape, it can disrupt this positive trajectory, resulting in social and economic losses for all parties involved. It undermines the spirit of sports and leaves even the fans feeling disappointed," Luo noted. 

By distancing themselves from the overzealous behavior of some fans, these athletes and professionals are spearheading a movement toward a healthier and more positive sports culture. 

It is crucial that competitive sports not be overshadowed by undesirable fan behavior, as this not only deviates from the true spirit of sports but also disrupts athletes who are striving to excel. To truly honor sports, the focus should be returned to its essence - athletic performance on the field and respecting the spirit of hard work. This is the greatest support fans can offer athletes.

With the advent of social media, Chinese athletes have gained increasing exposure, and a broad fan base has started following their updates and engaging in discussions on social media platforms. This has significantly shortened the distance between athletes and their fans.

As a result, the attention given to Chinese sports has grown, which is undoubtedly a positive development. However, this evolving fan culture has also been plagued by some discordant behavior. Some irrational fans fabricate rumors, spread false information, and subject athletes to unwarranted insults.

When the badminton men's doubles pair Liang and Wang lost their match, the loss would spark debates among some irrational fans on who is to blame for the failure.

The extreme thinking among the irrational fan culture is not only harmful to individual athletes but also detrimental to the spirit of sportsmanship. Everyone is entitled to have their own idol, but favoritism should not escalate into attacks on other athletes. Such behavior violates public morality and contributes to a negative public opinion environment in sports.

The sports field is a stage for hard work and determination, not a "battlefield" drowned out by improper insults, confrontation, and mutual undermining by irrational fans.

In March 2024, table tennis star Fan Zhendong posted a statement via his personal Sina Weibo account, urging fans not to violate his privacy, after someone allegedly disseminated his ID number on the internet.

Fan said in an interview with China Central Television after the Paris Olympic Games that he had been troubled and even harmed by some irrational fans. 

"Too much attention is placed on off-court matters, which creates a lot of pressure. Sometimes it feels like losing a game isn't acceptable, but even winning doesn't seem to be enough. This brings no benefits to me, the team, table tennis, or unity among everyone - it's entirely harmful," he said.

In 2024, tennis star Zheng Qinwen and 100m freestyle world record holder Pan Zhanle also disbanded their fan groups on social media.

The disbandment of fan clubs reflects athletes' longtime suffering from the paparazzi-like scrutiny brought by these extreme behaviors.

As to the ways to address the issue, Luo said that solutions should focus on channeling and managing undesirable behaviors rather than imposing outright restrictions.

Developing varied opportunities for fan interactions that highlight different facets of sports - such as team dynamics, strategic analysis, and historical milestones - can help broaden fan interests. This approach shifts the emphasis away from individual athletes and encourages a more comprehensive appreciation of the sport as a whole.

By curbing irrational fan culture and emphasizing the integrity of the sport, we can preserve the core values of sportsmanship while enabling athletes to concentrate on their performance and growth. Embracing this change is essential for the comprehensive development and long-term sustainability of the sports industry, ensuring that skill, discipline, and dedication to sports remain the central focus.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]