Bridging Policy and Practice: A Critical Review of Sports Engagement Research in Chinese Private Universities
Cao ChunShun || Jesse Balinas
Volume 13, Issue 4 2025
Abstract:
Sports engagement is widely acknowledged as a crucial component of holistic education. For
university students, regular participation in sports not only improves physical health and mental well-being but also
fosters social skills, cultural identity, and academic performance. In China, a series of education reforms have
highlighted physical education (PE) as a national priority. However, a significant gap remains between policy
intentions and actual practices—especially in private universities where institutional resources and administrative
flexibility are often limited. This literature review synthesizes global and domestic research on sports engagement
and contextualizes these findings within the challenges and opportunities facing private higher education in China,
with a focus on Anhui Province. The goal is to identify the theoretical foundations, current conditions, cultural
dimensions, and practical innovations that may help bridge this policy-practice divide.
