Transformation of Research Paradigms and the Construction of an Independent Knowledge System for Chinese Sports Studies

Constructing an independent knowledge system for Chinese sports studies constitutes a core proposition for the high-quality development of sports disciplines and the implementation of the sports power strategy in the new era. As the underlying norms governing knowledge production and theoretical innovation in sports studies, research paradigms directly determine the quality of disciplinary knowledge construction and international academic discourse power. Adopting methods of literature review, historical analysis, comparative research and logical analysis, this paper defines the core connotations of research paradigms and the independent knowledge system of sports studies, elaborates their inherently coupled and symbiotic mechanism, systematically reviews achievements and practical deficiencies in the evolution of Chinese sports studies research paradigms, and analyzes the core trends, internal logic and practical approaches of paradigm transformation in the new era. The study concludes that sports studies in China must undergo a multidimensional and systematic transformation of its research paradigms in the new era from dependence on Western paradigms to original theorization rooted in Chinese problems, from discipline-bound research to interdisciplinary integration, from static, experience-based interpretation to systematic and dynamic empirical inquiry, from purely theoretical speculation to practical application, from fragmented institution-building to systematic and standardized development, and from one-way knowledge importation to global dialogue based on two-way exchange and mutual learning. The construction of an independent knowledge system for Chinese sport studies should be grounded in this paradigm transformation and connect the key processes of knowledge production, academic evaluation, knowledge dissemination, practical application, and feedback-based iteration. This will provide solid theoretical support for building China into a leading sporting nation and advancing the National Fitness Strategy and the Healthy China Initiative.