As IOC Launches Investigation into 'Mao Zedong Badge Controversy,' China Says "We Won't Do It Again"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Amid controversy over Chinese national cycling team athletes wearing badges depicting former Chinese President Mao Zedong on the podium, the Chinese Olympic Committee has promised to prevent recurrence. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which prohibits political acts during award ceremonies, announced it would investigate the matter, prompting China to take a step back.

Mark Adams, spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stated at a regular briefing held on the 4th, "The Chinese side has conveyed that such incidents will not happen again."

Earlier, on the 2nd, at the Tokyo Olympic women's team sprint cycling event held at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Chinese athletes Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi, who won the gold medal, sparked controversy by wearing badges featuring Mao Zedong while standing on the podium.

The Olympics strictly prohibit religious and racial propaganda, which has led to the controversy. 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, such as kneeling.

However, political acts remain prohibited.

BBC of the UK pointed out that the Chinese state-run Global Times also posted a photo of the two gold medalists on Twitter but deleted it within an hour, highlighting that this is indeed a problematic issue.

In response to the controversy, the IOC announced it would launch an investigation and mentioned, "A report on the actions of the two athletes has been requested from the Chinese Olympic Committee."

Major foreign media reported, "The Chinese Olympic Committee has conveyed to the IOC its confidence that such incidents will not be repeated," and "A report is expected to be sent soon."

Mark Adams, IOC spokesperson, also announced, "The IOC is in continuous contact with the Chinese Olympic Committee, which has promised to provide a complete official response."