How International Mega Sports Events Shape National IdentityA Case Study of the Hangzhou Asian Games from a Ritual Perspective

International mega sports events are not only competitions of athletic prowess, but also important arenas for building national identity. Characterized by their periodicity, repetitiveness, performance and cohesiveness, international mega sports events can be considered a unique form of ritualistic activity. The Hangzhou Asian Games mobilize pre-event enthusiasm through the creation of an atmosphere and the awakening of memories associated with sports event rituals, laying the groundwork for national identity construction. The construction of sports event ritual spaces and venues showcases the nation's presence, while the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the award ceremonies, shape the national image and display national strength. The spread of modern media technology expands the temporal and spatial boundaries of sports event rituals, promoting the significance of these events through the portrayal of sports figures and the construction and dissemination of media discourse, thereby enhancing public emotional resonance and national identity.