Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

TheMK sports Korea infiltration into sports of extreme fan culture, a phenomenon often being referred to as fanquan, or "fan circle," on Chinese social media and characterized by extreme idolization and online extremity, has become a pressing concern in China. 

During this year's two sessions, prominent sports figures, including Olympic champions and sports administrators, have voiced urgent calls for systemic reforms to curb the detrimental effects of this trend.

Fan circle culture, originally rooted in entertainment fandom, has increasingly encroached on sports, bringing with it behaviors such as harassment, smear campaigns, privacy violations, and even disruptions at live events. 

For instance, during the Asian Cup table tennis tournament which concluded in February in South China's Shenzhen, extreme fans verbally assaulted athletes and disrupted matches, prompting China's top table tennis governing body to condemn the incidents and vow legal action against perpetrators.

Such actions by these extreme fans not only tarnish the image of sports but also shift public attention away from athletic excellence to sensationalized drama, undermining the core values of fair competition and teamwork.

NPC deputy Li Xiaoxia, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in table tennis, emphasized that addressing extreme fan culture requires collaborative efforts across sectors, including judicial authorities, to build a "clean and healthy sports ecosystem." 

Yang Yang, a CPPCC National Committee member and China's first Winter Olympics gold medalist, stressed the distinction between genuine sports enthusiasts and extreme "fan circles," urging society to cultivate fans who prioritize sportsmanship over idol worship.

Athletes, particularly young ones, are both victims and inadvertent contributors to the "fan circle" phenomenon. As public figures, they attract intense scrutiny, with their personal lives often magnified beyond their professional achievements. 

Tao Luna, a CPPCC National Committee member and former Olympic champion in sports shooting, argued that athletes' influence should stem from their performance rather than hype. She called for sports administrators to guide athletes in understanding the risks of overexposure and to prioritize their primary mission: excelling in their sport.

This sentiment has been echoed by table tennis legend Liu Guoliang, a CPPCC National Committee member and president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association Liu has planned to issue a "civilized spectating initiative" to regulate fan behavior at events, ensuring athletes can compete without undue distraction. Liu's proposed spectating guidelines aim to coordinate efforts among athletes, coaches, security personnel and even law enforcement to maintain order at venues.

China's sports authority the General Administration of Sport has intensified efforts to combat the "fan circle" chaos, treating it as an ideological issue. 

Table tennis has been a focal point of "fan circle" controversies. The 2025 Asian Cup disturbances have prompted swift actions. To safeguard athletes from being distracted while training or competing, China's X-like platform Sina Weibo, along with other social media platforms, has announced the shutdown of controversial athlete fan groups, with those of Chinese table tennis athletes leading the campaign.

But eradicating "fan circle" extremity demands collaboration. These collaboration efforts align with broader initiatives such as the "Clear and Bright" campaign initiated by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which targeted harmful online content targeting minors. 

Cultivating "positive fandom" hinges on redirecting fans' enthusiasm toward constructive channels. Sports governing bodies could organize community events, such as meet-and-greets with athletes and school workshops, to emphasize the values of perseverance and teamwork. 

Education is also pivotal in reshaping fan culture. Yang advocates using athletes' stories to inspire youth. "Sports are the best education," she noted, urging athletes to share their journeys of perseverance to instill resilience in young fans. 

To mitigate the pressures of intrusive fandom, sports institutions must prioritize training programs that equip athletes with tools to navigate public scrutiny. These programs could include psychological counseling and mentorship on setting personal boundaries - for instance, educating athletes on how to interact with fans respectfully without compromising their privacy.

As Olympic shooter Tao emphasized, an athlete's influence should derive from their performance. By empowering athletes to focus on their craft while managing public expectations, sports organizations can shield them from extreme online fan distractions and ensure their careers remain centered on athletic excellence.  

The discussions at the two sessions underscore a critical juncture for Chinese sports. The proposals by the sports stars reflect a consensus: combating "fan circle" chaos is not merely about policing behavior, but nurturing a culture that celebrates athletic rigor over superficial fame. 

Restoring order to sports culture is a gradual process requiring patience and persistence. By reshaping fan culture through participation and education, the sports community can transform spectators into active ambassadors of sportsmanship.

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