CHina did well with its medal haul. Efficiently sweeping medal haul is one thing But for china to be really seen as a sporting nation and reap the soft power benefits of being seen one - it must do well with popular team sports. Thats where the passion of the world is .
Even in US olympic stars dont get that much attention apart from few track starts or occasional swimming or gymnastics sensations.But many ppl here go crazy about american football, baseball, basket ball. Thats where millions are, TV ratings are and passions are.
India/Pakistan barely get any medals but alteast 20% of the world see their sachin tendulkar or imran khan as sporting legends. Pele, maradona, ronaldo are recognized by like 80% of the world. Which chinese sportsman has any such recall ?
Better to focus on lawn tennis rather than table tennis and games like cricket, soccer, basketball, field hockey.