Abstract: Along with the transition of traditional society into modern society, the development of Chinese national traditional sports inevitably faces survival pressure. As a result, the national traditional sports, driven by the motive to carry forward and develop national traditional culture, are seeking cultural protection by applying for world intangible cultural heritage listing. Some local governments have joined in the endeavor and become the leading force. It is true that the active participation of national traditional sports in intangible cultural heritage activities has helped, to a certain extent, to promote the development of national traditional sports. However, in accordance with the state policy of “limiting the number of applications while strengthening protection endeavor”, the national traditional sports should stay calm to avoid the overheated act of applying for intangible cultural heritage listing, maintain cultural stability in the process of inheritance and protection, and have cultural confidence in innovative development.

Key words: national traditional sports, application for world intangible cultural heritage listing, cognitive deviation, passive protection, hematopoietic functiona