Backlash against ‘sexy’ Chinese sportswomen a reflection of traditional values, experts say

Chinese hurdler Wu Yanni is another sportswoman often called out for her appearance. Like all Chinese athletes, she has to cover her tattoos when she competes. - Photo: Xinhua

BEIJING (SCMP): A recent backlash against female Chinese athletes posting “sexy” content on social media is a reflection of traditional values that argue women should be “pure” and a way of projecting the country’s soft power through sports, experts have suggested.

In recent weeks, former China national team athletes have hit back at critics, including other athletes, who said women posting “sexy” videos was a disgrace.