Throughout the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which attracted global eyes, the concept of rebuilding a modern culture in China, has grabbed my attention. 

From my perspective, sports can play a very important role in this historical trailblazing task. 

The Internet has changed how we live, and mobile Internet has increased the speed at which the new trend is exerting influence. At the same time, all these novel characteristics of a modern society have brought about a string of new challenges. On the surface, almost all nations are worried about obesity and lack of physical activity among the younger generation. The more concerning worry is the “inner” laziness that might define adolescents these days – them becoming introverted and reclusive.

There is no way separating kids from their devices, which have become mainstream and popular – even adults are failing in such a task. But more involvement in sports, especially competitive sports, would contribute to the building of a healthy body and the construction of the character and morale of the public. Sports are a special culture, regarded as the war of peaceful times, and a perfect method for teamwork formation and molding of individual character. 

All sports disciplines are useful in many ways, but team sports, or collective sports, are more helpful for the development of juveniles. 

In the past decade, we have witnessed the fast growth of individual sports in China, from badminton and tennis to equestrianism. However, for character building and development of social communication skills, team sports, such as football, basketball, volleyball are irreplaceable. 

China is a leading nation in competitive sports, its success in consecutive Olympic Games bears witness to that. However, this kind of elite sports achievements is yet to translate in massive participation in sports as a way of socializing.

By participating in team sports, kids can easily learn the basic virtues of unity, respect, rules and collective cooperation through various games. They can learn to achieve victory through teamwork, and accept defeat as a unit. The need to communicate in team sports, passing a ball or anything similar, can become a second language to them. 

One of the major challenges of mobile Internet is the widening gap between people. Earth is not turning into a global village like what we ideally thought. Communication between individuals is becoming more and more important than before. 

Sports, especially team sports, have an outstanding advantage as creative ways for youths to prepare their future, including on a social level. 

We are facing a new era in all aspects, as the report by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping to the opening session of the 19th CPC National Congress highlighted. And there is no certain social model that we can copy or follow. The progress of all individuals of this society will lay the foundation for the overall progress of the whole nation. All parents and teachers in this era want their kids to be stronger – not only physically, but also mentally – and competitive sports can possibly provide an edge in this global competition. 

(The author is founder of Score Sports. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.)