Social media, movie theatres abuzz as Olympic fever hits Chinese fans

BEIJING: Cinemas in China have been more packed than usual in the past two weeks – but not from summer blockbusters or classic box-office favourites.
Instead, sports fans are bringing their popcorn into movie theatres to catch the Olympic action on the big screens – broadcast live from Paris.
At one such watch party in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, the audience in the 150-seat theatre reacted with enthusiasm, tension, and emotion as they watched medal matches for the men’s badminton singles.
Even though none of China’s players were in contention, the screening still drew a sizable crowd because of the popularity of the sport.
Some spectators waved Chinese flags that were given at the reception, as they whooped and cheered whenever an athlete made an impressive play.
“There’s a better atmosphere at the cinema. Watching the Games with friends outside is better compared with watching alone at home,” said a member of the audience.
Scenes like these have flooded Chinese social media. Some videos have garnered tens of thousands of views, inspiring even more enthusiasts to make their way to theatres. 
“I saw from Weibo about an event to watch the Games together in the cinema with friends. Watching with everyone improves the ambience,” said another fan.
Meanwhile, Olympic fever has also swept across social media.
The hashtag “Team up in the cinemas to cheer for Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi”, which calls for supporters to support the Chinese divers in theatres, has more than 4 million hits.
Quan won gold in the women’s 10m platform dive while Chen took silver, and the pair brought home the gold together in the synchronised 10m event.
Athletes have also topped the online trending charts, such as swimmer Pan Zhanle for breaking a world record in the 100m freestyle, and Zheng Qinwen for winning China’s first-ever Olympic tennis singles title.
Others created a buzz for winning more than just gold in Paris.
For instance, images of Chinese badminton player Liu Yuchen proposing to his girlfriend Huang Yaqiong – just after she clinched gold in her mixed doubles final – quickly spread across social platforms, alongside congratulatory messages.
Table tennis star Wang Chuqin also went viral, with many commending him for sportsmanship.
Wang had refused to blame his shock exit from the men’s singles on his broken paddle, which was earlier damaged by excited photographers rushing to capture his gold medal win in the mixed doubles.
“Wang, although in the end he lost the men’s singles, he showed the Olympic spirit, which is worth learning,” said one fan.
As the Olympic Games draw near to the finish line this weekend, fans are excited to see the gold medals rack up – China and the United States are almost neck-to-neck in the race to get the most golds.
“Seeing Asians clinch the gold medal in events we have never excelled in before – such as the women’s tennis singles with Zheng – shows we are matching up to the high standards of sporting competitions in the West,” said a resident. “So, it’s not just about gold medals. It’s a sign that our overall emphasis on sports is increasing.”
Another local told CNA, beaming and flashing a thumbs up: “I feel very proud. Team China is strong and (our athletes) are very talented.”
Some competitors outside of Team China have also won the hearts of Chinese fans.
For instance, Viktor Axelsen, the Danish badminton world champion and Olympic gold medallist, is fast gaining fame in the country after conducting an interview in fluent Mandarin.
However, geopolitics has clouded the Olympic spirit. Tensions between China and the US have spilled over into the competition arena.
After China ended the US’ 64-year unbeaten run in the men’s 4x100m medley in the pool, the Chinese swimming team was plagued by doping allegations.
Swimmers from Britain, Australia and Germany have also chimed in, saying some Chinese swimmers are among those who tested positive for banned performance-enhancing substances before the previous Games in Tokyo.
China’s anti-doping agency has hit back by saying US allegations suggest a double standard. It pointed out that US sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who also tested positive for such drugs earlier this year, was allowed to compete in Paris.
China accused the US of not respecting the spirit of the Olympics by pushing its own agenda, while Chinese fans have reacted furiously on social media.
Cyberbullying has also become an issue. Weibo had to take action against netizens targeting Chinese table tennis players, punishing more than 300 accounts, with some facing permanent bans. Douyin has done the same.
Still, the Games have produced rare moments of unity, such as when China, South Korea and North Korea shared the podium and a picture together. 
The 2024 Summer Olympics will conclude with the closing ceremony in Paris on Sunday (Aug 11).