Ministry of Sports Inauguration and Appointment Ceremony Opening a new Era for Sports in Taiwan
On September 9, the Ministry of Sports (MOS) held the “Ministry of Sports Inauguration and Minister Appointment Ceremony.” President Lai Ching-Te attended in person. Premier Cho Jung-Tai presented Minister of Sports Lee Yang with the letter of appointment and the ministry’s official seal. Minister Lee accepted the mission to usher in a new era for sports in Taiwan.
With the establishment of the MOS on September 9, National Sports Day, President Lai stated he hopes that the six key directions proposed by the minister will receive full support from the Presidential Office, the Executive Yuan, and both the administrative and legislative branches. The goal is for everyone to have at least one sport they can participate in throughout their lifetime, to make the nation stronger, and to let the world embrace Taiwan. The government will continue to support competitive athletes and promote professional sports so that Taiwan can shine on the international stage, at every stage committed to both sports and the nation. The hand-gesture concept in the ministry’s emblem design represents “Team Taiwan” — Taiwan No. 1 — meaning that sports transcend divisions, encouraging all citizens to stay active.
Premier Cho pointed out that the president proposed eight major sports policies, the first of which was the establishment of the MOS, a goal now achieved. The eighth policy, funding, has reached NT$24.8 billion in the 2026 fiscal year budget. The remaining six policies will be continuously advanced by the minister. He recalled that on September 9 last year, then–Vice Premier Cheng convened the first meeting of the advisory committee, bringing together athletes, coaches, and experts from different sectors to offer recommendations, from which the name “MOS” was born. Preparatory meetings were then convened by former Secretary-General Kung to carry out related planning work. Minister Lee, himself a member of the advisory committee, not only brought honor to the nation on the badminton court, but also actively advocated for athletes during meetings. Under his future leadership, the ministry’s team will continue to inspire and bring joy to the public. Key issues such as reform of sports talent programs, strengthening the development of sports associations, policies for sports for all, and the establishment of a new Sports Industry Development Center will be addressed. Through the creation of the MOS, it is hoped that everyone can engage in the sport they love, making everyone a “sports person.”
Minister Lee stated that the future work of the MOS will focus on six areas: implementing sports for all; integrating the structure and systems of competitive sports; enhancing Taiwan’s capacity and profile in hosting major international sporting events; promoting the commercial development of the sports industry; putting sustainability and diversity values into practice; and investing in youth and grassroots talent development. He added that as an athlete, he not only loves challenges but also enjoys winning with a team. Every step going forward will uphold the spirit of sports, using action to work with everyone to set new milestones for Taiwanese sports.
The inauguration ceremony featured a “sports nine-square grid animation,” symbolizing the turning of a new page in Taiwan’s sports history. It allowed everyone to look back on the hardships and challenges Taiwan’s sports community has faced over the past decades, as well as the countless proud and moving moments created — from athletes such as C.K Yang and Chi Cheng achieving great success on the international stage, to the nationwide baseball craze of the 1970s, the founding of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in the 1990s, and the subsequent baseball craze. Today, Taiwan’s sports have diversified, and with the support of the National Sports Training Center, athletes have repeatedly achieved outstanding results at the Olympics, Asian Games, and other international competitions. Every medal, every match, and every breakthrough beyond limits represents the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, and the public. A countdown was held at National Taiwan University Sports Center, with LED screens linking live to the MOS venue to complete the off-site inauguration.
The opening performance showcased the diversity of sports, blending competitive sports, senior fitness, aerobics, and dance to demonstrate cross-generational vitality. After viewing a video explaining the design concept of the MOS visual identity, Teacher Mei-Feng and professional baseball cheerleaders led the audience in a towel exercise, getting everyone moving.
The establishment of the MOS symbolizes a brand-new milestone for sports in Taiwan and the government’s commitment to sports development. From the day on, Taiwan will move toward the goals of being faster, higher, stronger, and more united.