Taiwan media should directly refer to sports teams as "Taiwan Team"

◎shima fire

The Nagoya Asian Games are underway, and Taiwan has sent 482 athletes to participate in 34 sports. Watching the players fighting on the field, Taiwanese people naturally hope that they have a clear and direct name. However, if you open the domestic media, some reports still use "Chinese Taipei" or "Chinese Team". After watching it for a long time, I can't help but wonder: Why can't we just call the Taiwan team on our own land?

The "Taiwan Name-Registration Promotion Group" recently went to Nagoya, Japan to hold Taiwan's name-correction event, and distributed "Taiwan ≠ Chinese Taipei" and "Under protest" badges and banners to publicize Taiwan's demands for name-correction. The picture shows Taiwan’s name-correction promotion group. (File photo)

"Chinese Taipei" has its historical background, as well as practical considerations for international sports events. When Taiwan participates in international competitions, it faces existing name regulations. This is a reality that it must face. But how to register for international competitions is one thing, and it is another thing for Taiwanese media to return to China to report on their own players. International norms do not need to be the only title used by domestic media.

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Taiwan has participated in international events for many years, and it is not uncommon for international media to use Taiwan. Central News Agency’s English report on the Nagoya Asian Games also used terms such as Taiwan athletes and Taiwan delegation. Since international reports can clearly state that the players are from Taiwan, why should Taiwan's own news reports always stay in "Chinese Taipei"?

Look at the players on the field. They train and sweat every day. Behind them are Taiwan’s families, schools, coaches and society. When people see players winning medals, their most natural reaction is "Taiwan has won a medal." This title has long existed in the daily language of Taiwanese people.

Since the opening of the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, the Taiwan team has experienced political suppression such as refusing Sports Minister Li Yang to enter the Asian Olympic Games and banning people from entering the venue with red flags all over the ground. The picture shows the notice from the organizer. (File photo)

The name may seem like just a few words, but long-term use will become a social habit. International competitions have rules for international competitions, and domestic news also has its own choices. Go abroad and face the reality; when you return to Taiwan, you can generously call your team "Taiwan Team." This is not about changing international rules, but about allowing Taiwanese people to cheer for the players on their own land using their familiar names.

(The author is in business)