London Olympics 2012: Olympic medals attest to China`s progress, says daily

Beijing: A state-run Chinese daily Monday said "sporting achievements attest to the country`s progress" as the country led the medals tally in the London Olympics.

An article in the Op-Ed section of Global Times asked whether Olympic gold medals have a stigma attached to them? Does the Chinese public no longer cherish hard-won Olympic medals? "The answers are no," it responded. The daily admitted that it was true that the ongoing Olympic Games have been viewed from a variety of perspectives by domestic audiences. "Some hold that the funds invested in athletes` training and preparation should be used for public welfare. Some worry that China`s dominance over several events may reduce the popularity of the sports," it added. China leads the medals tally winning 30 gold, 17 silver and 14 bronze medals. The daily said: "There is indeed opposition against excessive worship of gold medals. But such voices don`t dominate public opinion. Just look at the public`s reaction to Sun Yang`s two gold medals in swimming, which caused a sensation. After swimmer Ye Shiwen was questioned over her speed, there was a strong backlash against the unfounded allegations." The London Olympic Games have "resulted in new happiness and confidence for Chinese society". "...Chinese athletes continue to win glory overseas. The Chinese public is surer about the country`s capabilities. No matter what the critics say, sporting achievements attest to the country`s progress," the daily added. It stressed that "patriotism cannot be denied. It is not denied in any country. It is one of the core values of China, helping sustain its civilization for thousands of years". IANS