China Warns Fans Not to Arrange Birthday Events for Athletes

Chinese authorities warned that fans shouldn’t organize birthday celebrations for athletes on national teams, citing concerns over the use of public resources and training disruptions, China Central Television reported.

An official with the General Administration of Sport said authorities have taken note that sports enthusiasts have been arranging such gatherings, including with screens in shopping malls displaying photos of athletes, CCTV reported. Such events risk interfering with the athletes’ preparation for competitions, the TV station cited the official as saying without offering more detail.