An Exploration of Viewers’ Perceptions and Experiences at Action Sports Events in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Game

Lee, Eun-su¹

1Loughborough University

항저우 2022 아시안게임 액션 스포츠 종목 시청자 인식 및 경험 탐색: 스케이트보딩 및 브레이킹 중심으로

이은수¹

1러프버러대학교 박사과정

Correspondence to: Lee, Eun-su E-mail: e.lee@lboro.ac.uk

Abstract

Activities traditionally considered leisure pursuits, such as breaking and skateboarding, have been reclassified as action sports and incorporated into prominent international sports competitions, including the Olympics and the Asian Games. This study aims to explore public perceptions and experiences concerning the inclusion of these action sports at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. Employing a hybrid methodological approach, the study analysed responses from an 182 online survey comprising closed and open-ended questions. Drawing upon quantitative and qualitative analyses, three key findings are presented. Firstly, a significant portion of the survey participants viewed the addition of new action sports, such as breaking and skateboarding, to international sports events favourably. Secondly, whilst most recognised these activities as legitimate sports, a minority perceived them otherwise. Thirdly, the acceptance of these activities as sports was widespread, yet concerns were raised regarding the transparency and precision of the judging and scoring systems. This article underscores the evolving nature of global sports consumption and advocates for a broader, more inclusive definition of sports. It also emphasises the necessity of establishing clear, transparent evaluation criteria for new action sports to bolster their legitimacy and foster broader acceptance.

Keywords:

Action sports, breaking, skateboarding, the Olympics, the Asian Games

키워드:

액션스포츠, 브레이킹, 스케이트보딩, 올림픽, 아시안게임

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