A national archery champion is now teaching the ancient sport at a Jinan primary school, mentoring young talents and showcasing China's push to integrate elite athletes into education to foster both sporting excellence and cultural tradition.
JINAN, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- At 4 p.m., more than 30 students were practicing basic archery movements in the training room of Jinxiucheng Primary School in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.
"Keep your hands steady. Even slight movements of your body may affect the fluidity of the motion," said Li Weibin, head coach of the school's archery club, as he corrected the students' posture.
Li, who competed twice at China's National Games and won the men's title at the 2006 National Outdoor Archery Championships, chose to become a physical education teacher at the primary school after retiring from professional sport through a special recruitment program, bringing his elite experience onto the campus.
Archery is not only an official event at the Summer Olympic Games, but also a traditional Chinese sport with a history of more than a thousand years, evolving from hunting to recreation and then to a modern competitive discipline.
According to Li, introducing archery to primary schools helps identify and nurture young sporting talent, while also promoting traditional culture and diversifying school sports beyond ball games.
Drawing on his professional background, Li selected students with suitable physical conditions and strong interest during regular PE classes into the archery club, where he provides systematic training from basic techniques to competition-oriented practice.
Members of the club train for about two hours after school each day, with the school providing venues and equipment free of charge.
Qin Jiayi, a student at the primary school, has been training in archery for two years. At the inaugural Jinan Youth Games held this year, he won one gold and three silver medals. "This sport has made me braver and more attentive," Qin said.
Qin's success highlights the value of former athletes and coaches like Li, who are eager to find new opportunities in schools and start a new chapter in their careers.
An Shigang, principal of Jinxiucheng Primary School, said local authorities encourage primary and secondary schools to develop their own specialized sports programs and improve talent development mechanisms, creating better growth platforms for students with athletic potential.
Dedicated posts are being created for retired athletes, who must obtain teaching qualifications and complete pre-service training and psychological assessments before taking up their positions.
Several primary and secondary schools in Jinan have recruited dozens of champion teachers who previously won titles at major competitions at home and abroad.
In addition to coaching school teams, these teachers also deliver lessons on injury prevention, rehabilitation and recovery, organize various sports events, and guide campus sports clubs, further advancing the integration of sports and education.
"As more athletes come to work at schools, they can create a star effect, which inspires students to develop a greater passion for sports and physical activities," An added. ■
