This sentence comes from Mao Zedong's article "Sports Research" published in 19 17.
Combined with the poverty and weakness of China at that time, Mao Zedong mentioned this sentence in his article, which also meant to call on Chinese people to keep fit, drive away foreign invaders and continue the blood of Chinese civilization.
Extended data:
Mao Zedong's understanding is: First, we should have the awareness of exercise. "If you want to make sports effective, you must move your subjectivity and enhance your awareness of sports." Second, be persistent. "Every day, let the concept of this movement, linked, endless. Today's sports inherit yesterday's sports and cause tomorrow's sports. " Third, full of interest and happiness. Because "fun, the beginning of sports; Happy people are the end of sports. Interest is born of progress, and happiness is born of results. "
So interest and happiness in sports are very important.
Therefore, he seriously criticized some bad tendencies in school physical education at that time. For example, the problem of "multiple forms without substance" in physical education curriculum; In physical education class's teaching, "teachers give orders, scholars respond strongly, the body goes against the heart, and the spirit suffers immeasurable pain"; There are also problems such as insufficient lighting in classrooms and unsanitary schools.
In a word, Mao Zedong thinks that physical education has the functions of "strengthening bones and muscles, increasing knowledge, adjusting feelings and strengthening will", which makes people "physically and mentally complete".
Therefore, the state advocates sports, which can "preserve health" for individuals; For the country, it can "protect the country and defend the country." So he advocated the development of sports to save the country and the people.