[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Chinese cycling gold medalists have sparked controversy by wearing badges featuring former Chinese President Mao Zedong on the podium. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which prohibits political acts during award ceremonies, announced it will launch an investigation into the matter.
According to major foreign media on the 3rd (local time), at the Tokyo Olympics women's team sprint cycling event held the previous day at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, China's Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi, who won gold medals, appeared on the podium wearing badges depicting Mao Zedong.
The Olympics strictly prohibit religious and racial propaganda, making this a controversial issue. According to Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, political acts are banned on the podium. The IOC has relaxed this rule to allow athletes to express personal views in ways that respect fellow competitors. Kneeling is an example of such permitted expression.
However, political acts remain prohibited.
BBC of the UK pointed out that the Chinese state-run Global Times also posted photos of the two gold medalists on Twitter but deleted them after an hour, emphasizing that this is clearly a problematic issue.
Earlier, Raven Saunders of the United States, who won a silver medal in the women's shot put, is under investigation by the IOC for crossing her hands above her head to form an X on the podium.
Saunders explained that it was "an expression of support for the oppressed."
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee also stated, "The action is a peaceful expression supporting racial and social justice, done while respecting other athletes," arguing that it does not violate regulations.
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