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ITTF Vows to Protect Athletes After Harassment Claim at London Worlds

The International Table Tennis Federation has vowed to protect athletes after a female athlete reported "inappropriate physical contact" during a security check at the World Team Table Tennis Championships in London. The ITTF, World Table Tennis, and local organizers expressed being "deeply troubled" by the claim, calling the described conduct "completely unacceptable." A comprehensive fact-finding and safeguarding investigation is currently underway, with the ITTF emphasizing that athlete safety and dignity are non-negotiable. Chinese Taipei coach Zheng Jiaqi stated that a security staff member engaged in behavior that may constitute sexual harassment during the pre-match security check.

Key Points: ITTF Acts on Athlete Harassment Claim at London Worlds

  • Female athlete reports inappropriate physical contact during security check
  • ITTF, WTT, LOC launch fact-finding investigation
  • Chinese Taipei coach Zheng Jiaqi alleges possible sexual harassment
  • ITTF vows to prevent recurrence and protect athlete dignity
2 min read

ITTF affirms protection of athletes' wellbeing after 'inappropriate physical contact' claim at London team worlds

ITTF condemns inappropriate physical contact during security check at World Team Table Tennis Championships, launching investigation to protect athlete wellbeing.

"Every athlete deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected at all times and in all spaces. - ITTF Statement"

London, May 3

The International Table Tennis Federation vowed to further protect athletes after a female athlete reported "inappropriate physical contact" during an entry security check at the World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals.

A statement issued on Saturday said the ITTF, World Table Tennis and local organizers were "deeply troubled" by the claim.

"Every athlete deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected at all times and in all spaces. What has been described is completely unacceptable. We want to be absolutely clear: the safety and dignity of our athletes are non-negotiable.

"The ITTF, WTT and Locl Organising Committee have been in direct contact with the athlete's team and are committed to ensuring she receives the full assistance and support she needs," it said.

The ITTF added that a comprehensive fact-finding and safeguarding investigation is currently underway.

"No party involved in the organisation of this event will tolerate any conduct that compromises the wellbeing of athletes, and we expect this matter to be treated with the full seriousness it deserves. ITTF, WTT, the LOC are working through a comprehensive review of the situation," the table tennis world governing body said.

"We are dedicated to working to ensure the fundamental dignity of all participants is protected and that measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of such incidents," it added.

In a social media post earlier on Saturday, Zheng Jiaqi, coach of Chinese Taipei women's team, said that "an extremely serious and unacceptable incident occurred during the pre-match security check."

"A member of the security staff engaged in inappropriate physical contact with our player, including behavior that may constitute sexual harassment, and obstructed the player's passage," Zheng posted.

The London World Team Table Tennis Championships runs through May 10.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Appreciate the swift response from ITTF and local organizers. The statement makes it clear they take this seriously. But talk is cheap - let's see concrete actions. CCTV footage should be reviewed, and the security staff should face legal consequences if found guilty. We need to set a precedent that protects all athletes globally.
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Kavya N
This is why we need more women in security roles at sports events. These "security checks" often become an excuse for harassment, especially at international events where there is a power imbalance with athletes. Kudos to the Chinese Taipei coach for speaking out. We need more strong voices like hers. 👏
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Vikram M
This is absolutely shameful. The fact that this happened at a World Championship under the ITTF's watch is unacceptable. I appreciate the statement from ITTF, but they need to examine the entire security protocol used at such events. Implementing clear guidelines for security personnel, proper training, and ensuring all security staff understand athlete rights is imperative.
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Manoj Q
Sad days when even security checks become a source of trauma for athletes. I hope the ITTF follows through with their investigation and doesn't just sweep this under the rug. The athlete from Chinese Taipei showed incredible courage in coming forward. We need to stand with her and ensure she gets justice. India has seen too many cases like this in recent years. 😔
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Nisha Z
The ITTF's response seems strong and appropriate. What is reassuring is that they are directly in contact with the athlete's team and committed to support. As an Indian mother who dreams of seeing more girls in sports, this kind of institutional protection is crucial. Let

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