(Transcribed from recordings, with some edits)
Based on my own observations and reflections, I would like to share a few thoughts on the relationship between people's football and rural development.
Years ago, when I first saw the post about "Cun Chao" (Village Super League), I immediately forwarded it and wrote a lengthy commentary. What captivated me most were the two words – "people's football". I will try to outline my points concisely within the limited time.
First, I want to express deep respect to Professor Lu Xinyu for leading over 70 Shanghai teachers and students on a research trip to Guizhou. This is no small feat today, requiring both passion and responsibility. This move deserves our heartfelt appreciation.
I want to begin with a story. In the early years of the People's Republic of China, the average life expectancy registered just over 30 years. By 1976, when Chairman Mao passed away, this figure had risen to over 68 years. Multiple factors are behind this progress, and several are particularly worth noting here: the nationwide hygiene campaigns, including the widespread adoption of drinking boiled water; the cooperative medical system and the "barefoot doctors" program; promotion of nearly zero-cost universal physical activities, such as radio calisthenics. During ten-minute breaks between classes, students would kick their legs and bend their waists to the rhythm of broadcasts – simple yet effective physical exercise. These measures significantly improved public health despite tight economic conditions at the time.
In 1956, the central government issued the "Forty-Point Program for Agricultural Development", which included not only agricultural measures but also proposals for rural improvement. According to Chairman Mao, people are the most important factor in productivity, and production only develops when people are physically healthy and mentally vigorous. Therefore, promoting sports has consistently been a key approach for the Party in advancing rural development. Back then, nearly every village had a makeshift basketball court or ping-pong table. Activities like basketball tournaments, ping-pong matches and tug-of-war competitions were held during holidays to strengthen physical fitness and team spirit.
From today's perspective, people's football serves at least four vital functions in rural areas: building physical strength, organizing communities, educating the populace and empowering villagers. Utilizing sports as a key tool for rural revitalization is undoubtedly positive and effective.
How to ensure that these activities remain sustainable and people-oriented? I have the following suggestions.
First, steadfastly uphold the people's central role. While organizing competitions, professional players should not be introduced solely for victory, as this approach would distort people's sports into commercial events. Platform development should genuinely involve and benefit the masses, instead of concentrating power in the hands of a few.
Second, moderately expand the range of sports. Apart from football, efforts can be made to develop programs in basketball, volleyball, and table tennis. Both men's and women's teams could be formed to encourage universal participation. Increased sports activities will naturally reduce negative trends like gambling, thus improving society.
Third, optimize county-level coordination. Different townships can develop distinctive sports programs tailored to local conditions, such as integrating them with ethnic cultures like Dong songs as well as traditional activities of Miao and Shui groups. Under the impetus of brands like "Cun Chao", sports and industries can be integrated, showcasing local industries on the platform of sports. The principle of serving the people should be implemented throughout the development.
Fourth, stay cautious with external capital. It is necessary to prevent excessive commercialization and control, in order to avoid deviating from the original goal of public well-being and mass participation.
In summary, people's football is not merely a sport, but an effective pathway to unite hearts, improve social customs and drive comprehensive rural development. I look forward to future opportunities to get on-site experiences and engage in in-depth exchanges with you.