Chinese people should clutivate the habit of physical exercise starting from childhood, which will have an impact on China's future development, says an article in the 21st Century Business Herald.

Some universities have reportedly canceled the men's 5,000-meter race and the women's 3,000-meter race in their sports meetings amid worries the students couldn't cope with the races. Students' physical conditions are worrying the nation.

In ancient China, Confucian culture stressed the values of knowledge and morality and considered people with physical strength uncivilized. Having a strong body was the most obvious distinction between manual workers and civilized intellectuals.

In today's China, knowledge — regarded as the source of productivity — is more highly valued than physical strength. Parents and teachers value clever heads over strong bodies.

The physical condition of Chinese people has improved a lot since China's reform and opening-up policy in the early 1980s, as nutrition and food are no longer a problem for most people.

Chinese people should develop the habit of sports exercises starting from childhood. The government and education authorities must create more conditions for the people, especially students, to do sports regularly.

A healthy and strong body is a basic guarantee for a healthy life. The health of the whole nation will also have an impact in China's future development.