On the Connotation of Sportsmanship in The Chess King and Its Vontemporary Value

Abstract

Since its publication, A Cheng's novella The Chess King has invited diverse interpretations and sustained scholarly attention. This
paper approaches the text from an interdisciplinary sportliterature perspective, arguing that it is not only a literary classic but also a vivid
narrative about practicing sport through spirit. Focusing on two dimensions"embodied participation" and "spiritual contest"the study
analyzes how the act of playing chess in the novella constitutes a complete form of sport, resonating with the ideal of a "civilized mind and
vigorous body." Building on this, the paper examines how the protagonist, Wang Yisheng, achieves personal striving, spiritual aspiration, and
moral cultivation through chess, and elucidates the affinities between this process and the socialist core values of dedication to work and love
of country. Finally, against the backdrop of the Healthy China initiative and current efforts to promote the Chinese sports spirit, the paper
highlights the novella's portrayal of mental strength that transcends material hardship, steadfast commitment to craft, and a pure pursuit of
fair play. These elements, it is argued, offer concrete insights for fostering contemporary sports culture and uplifting the morale and ethos of
today's youth.