Abstract: Based on relevant literature, this article takes the approach of deductive analysis to expound the change in sports cognition of Chinese mainstream society in the past 100 years and its impact on the development of Chinese sports by examining the main historical line of Chinese sports development with reference to the backgrounds in different historical periods. The findings suggest that: firstly, the sports cognition of Chinese Mainstream Society plays an leading role in deciding the direction and path of Chinese sports development in the past 100 years; secondly, every adjustment and revision of the direction of Chinese sports development are closely related to the sports cognition of Chinese Mainstream Society; thirdly, the sports cognition of Chinese Mainstream society is related to the research and guidance of the academia though, it is not influenced or controlled by it. Instead it has closer links with the needs for the development of country and society at that time.

Key words: Centennial China, Chinese mainstream society, sports cognition, development of Chinese sports