Author Description

"This is the first comprehensive study of sport in Taiwan to be published in English. It appears at a time when Taiwan has the attention of the global community to the greatest extent since the years following the creation of the People's Republic of China and the formation by the Chinese Nationalist Party of an alternative seat of government for the Republic of China in Taiwan's capital, Taipei. The story of Taiwan sport is one of athletic achievements and political machinations with this island's athletes allowed to compete in international sport only in the name of Chinese Taipei. The book offers insights into the development, political uses and current situation of Taiwan sport, the contribution made by the island's indigenous peoples, the significance of physical activity initiatives, relations between Taiwan and the PRC, sports fandom, the role of the sports media, and gender, exercise, and health. As is so often the case with other parts of the world, sport in Taiwan provides a lens through which we examine a range of political and social issues and thereby help readers to gain a better understanding of this interesting, vibrant, and politically sensitive island"--