Sports discussions inspiring

The London Olympic Games has produced many heated debates, not only about the sports events and the medal table, but also beyond competitive sports to China's ongoing transformation. This is a good thing, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The discussions about Olympics-related topics have been quite open-ended, which is a positive thing, as broad discussions about sports and fairness from different perspectives, can help cultivate the open mind most needed in Chinese society, which is often seized by extreme emotions.

We cannot force everyone to share the same opinion, but a mainstream consensus can be reached through discussion and communication. We can argue about the training system for athletes, but individual effort is praiseworthy; we can question the loopholes in the rules governing various sports, but should still stick to the bottom line of fair play.

Competition between ideas is important. Perhaps the London Olympics, which aimed to "inspire a generation", will, thanks to the discussions it has triggered, inspire Chinese people on their way to modernization.

(China Daily 08/14/2012 page9)