Taiwanese Athlete Alleges Inappropriate Physical Contact at London Event, ITTF: "Absolutely Intolerable"
Following reports of a Taiwanese athlete experiencing inappropriate physical contact during the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has launched an investigation, emphasizing that athlete safety and dignity are paramount.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 19:49
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London, May 3rd (CNA) — During the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships held in London, there were reports of a security personnel making inappropriate physical contact with a Taiwanese female player. The ITTF stated that the safety and dignity of athletes are non-negotiable, and it has initiated an investigation, committing to ensuring the athlete receives full support.
Despite heightened security procedures in the UK due to an increased terrorism alert level, the ITTF emphasized that security checks should still adhere to principles of professionalism and appropriateness. The situation described by the female athlete "must never be tolerated."
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), World Table Tennis (WTT), and the local organizing committee (LOC) issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the inappropriate physical contact reported by the female athlete during a security check at the venue entrance on the 2nd. The statement did not mention the country or region the female athlete represented.
The statement pointed out that every athlete should feel safe, respected, and protected at all times and in all places. The situation described by the female athlete "must never be tolerated"; the safety and dignity of athletes are "non-negotiable."
The statement mentioned that the ITTF, WTT, and LOC have communicated directly with the team represented by the female athlete and are committed to ensuring the athlete receives full assistance and support. A relevant investigation has been initiated to thoroughly investigate the facts and details.
The British government recently announced an increase in the national security threat alert. The joint statement from ITTF, WTT, and LOC mentioned that security checks in all venues have been tightened accordingly; however, security checks should still be conducted professionally and appropriately, and any act that harms the well-being of athletes will not be tolerated.
The statement indicated a continuous commitment to preventing similar situations from happening again.
The UK has experienced several "anti-Jewish" violent attacks in recent months, including arson and knife attacks. On April 30th, the government announced an increase in the UK's overall terrorism alert level by one notch.
Currently, the UK's terrorism alert level is "severe," second only to the highest level, "critical."
The British government stated that this means a "highly likely" terror attack within the next six months. (Editing: Tien Shui-hua)1150503
Despite heightened security procedures in the UK due to an increased terrorism alert level, the ITTF emphasized that security checks should still adhere to principles of professionalism and appropriateness. The situation described by the female athlete "must never be tolerated."
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), World Table Tennis (WTT), and the local organizing committee (LOC) issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the inappropriate physical contact reported by the female athlete during a security check at the venue entrance on the 2nd. The statement did not mention the country or region the female athlete represented.
The statement pointed out that every athlete should feel safe, respected, and protected at all times and in all places. The situation described by the female athlete "must never be tolerated"; the safety and dignity of athletes are "non-negotiable."
The statement mentioned that the ITTF, WTT, and LOC have communicated directly with the team represented by the female athlete and are committed to ensuring the athlete receives full assistance and support. A relevant investigation has been initiated to thoroughly investigate the facts and details.
The British government recently announced an increase in the national security threat alert. The joint statement from ITTF, WTT, and LOC mentioned that security checks in all venues have been tightened accordingly; however, security checks should still be conducted professionally and appropriately, and any act that harms the well-being of athletes will not be tolerated.
The statement indicated a continuous commitment to preventing similar situations from happening again.
The UK has experienced several "anti-Jewish" violent attacks in recent months, including arson and knife attacks. On April 30th, the government announced an increase in the UK's overall terrorism alert level by one notch.
Currently, the UK's terrorism alert level is "severe," second only to the highest level, "critical."
The British government stated that this means a "highly likely" terror attack within the next six months. (Editing: Tien Shui-hua)1150503