TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist Lee Yang (李洋) officially took office as the first head of Taiwan's new Ministry of Sports on Monday.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended the unveiling of the ministry, which coincided with National Sports Day, per Liberty Times. During the inauguration ceremony, Cho presented Lee with his appointment letter and the ministry’s official seal.
The unveiling was conducted at the National Taiwan University Sports Center. Numerous representatives from the athletic community were present, including Taiwan's Olympic Committee President Lin Hong-dow (林鴻道), PLG CEO Charles Chen (陳建州), Taiwan baseball Commissioner Tsai Chi-chan (蔡其昌), and athletes such as Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) and karate bronze medalist Wen Tzu-yun (文姿云).
Lee said that as he transitions from the court to this position, he is grateful to the president and premier for their full policy support in opening “a new milestone in Taiwan’s sports history.” Lee said he is also aware of the heavy responsibility he now bears.
“I am an athlete who has faced countless challenges on the court and deeply understands the voices of athletes,” Lee said. He added that the Ministry of Sports will focus on six key areas moving forward:
- Encouraging nationwide participation in sports
- Integrating resources to strengthen competitive development, including closer coordination between the ministry, the National Training Center, and sports associations
- Promoting international competitions and exchanges
- Supporting sports industry growth
- Implementing sustainability and diversity in sports
- Investing in children, youth, and grassroots development by establishing a comprehensive, long-term talent cultivation system that starts from a young age in schools and communities
He said that the sixth policy will enable children to dare to dream and have the chance to realize those dreams. “As an athlete, I love challenges and enjoy winning with my team. I will carry the spirit I showed on the court to create new milestones for Taiwan’s sports,” said Lee.
