​65 years of glories

Time flows quietly and the past years are like songs. Sixty-five years ago, in order to develop China's contemporary sports medicine, with the care and support of state leaders, Professor Qu Mianyu, together with several other pioneering medical scientists, established in January 1959 the first institute of sports medicine at Beijing Medical College (now Peking University Health Science Center). For sixty years, Peking University Institute of Sports Medicine has worked hard to press ahead through vicissitudes and created a history of glories.

For sixty-five years, generations of the Institute have devoted themselves to promoting physical culture and people’s health; worked with unremitting efforts and wrote the most inspiring chapter in the history of contemporary sports medicine in China. On this chapter of hardships and glories, there are endeavors made by the pacesetters of the elder generation, and dedications of the succeeding generation. Surgeons strove for their “gold medals” under shadowless lights; instructors elaborated on their beliefs on the podium; scientists dedicated to tireless explorations in the laboratory; physicians cared for their athletes during training and competitions. Incredible achievements have been made through the accumulated efforts of several generations.

With sixty-five years of accomplishments and glories, the Institute has developed into a comprehensive sports medicine institute that covers sports traumatology, sports nutrition, medical supervision and rehabilitation, and integrates clinical services, teaching, scientific research and team services. It has a group of experts well-known at home and abroad, strong medical and research capacity, and excellent talent building system. The Institute is devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sports-related diseases and injuries, providing high-level and high-quality medical services for athletes at all levels and also for the mass sports. We have made outstanding contributions to the success of China’s competitive sports, to the implementation of “nationwide physical fitness campaign”, and ultimately to improving people’s health.

Whenever I think of the past sixty-five years, it brings back so many memories. Among the many flashbacks are the tremendous undertaking of the pioneers as they laid the foundation for contemporary sports medicine; the Herculean efforts of the mid-generation as they built on the foundation and led the way; as well as the continuing vitality of the young generations as they worked to enlarge and broaden that path. In particular, the celebration of the 60th anniversary in 2018 and the ten years since then which form the grand pictures of the Institute responding to challenges and navigating its way for new development are still fresh in our memory. The past decade has witnessed the most rapid development of sports medicine in China. We seized the opportunity and have upgraded our work to a new level.

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Institute, we compiled the history of the establishment and development of the Institute by collecting a large amount of lively and precious first-hand materials. Through this book, history will be reproduced to illustrate the important role of the Institute in the introduction and development of sports medicine in China. In this way, we hope that more people will better understand the cause of sports medicine and work hard for it. At the same time, we are convinced that the historical records in this book will help to build a stronger sense of belonging and honor, encouraging members of the Institute to redouble our efforts to make greater contributions. It will also help people outside the sports medicine society to understand sports medicine in a more informative way and its significance embedded in Premier Zhou Enlai's instructions that "Sports medicine cannot be canceled, but can only be strengthened. It must play its role in sports and should not be weakened”.

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary, I would like to express my sincere gratitude, on behalf of all my colleagues, to all leaders who care about and support our institute. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the friends, at home and abroad, who care, help and support us. At the same time, I would like to express my deepest respect to the pioneers and fellows who have worked hard for the establishment and development of the Institute!

In the future, we will inherit and carry forward the cream of the fine traditions and academic integrity of the elder generation. In the meantime, adhering to the motto of “Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, and Social commitment”, we will redouble our efforts to build world-class institute of excellence in sports medicine and write another laudable chapter in the new era!