Officials said the female athlete was subjected to inappropriate physical contact during a security check.
Published May 5, 2026
Taiwanese sports officials said a table tennis player reported “inappropriate physical contact” during a security check upon entering a venue for a major tournament in London.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports called in a statement on Tuesday to ensure a safe environment for athletes.
The athlete’s name has not been officially announced, but Taiwanese reports identified her as Chen Yi-ching, after she vowed on social media to “speak up for all female athletes.”
“As athletes, we are forced to endure immense physical and mental pressure in pursuit of better performance on the field, and also face various forms of injustice,” she wrote in a statement posted to her social media accounts.
“These are not just my experiences, but the challenges faced by countless female athletes around the world. That’s why I choose to stand up now, to speak up for all female athletes. Sport requires not just equal opportunity, but serious protection of human rights.”
Even after the incident, Chen promised to “continue our efforts and never back down.”
The 34-year-old was the highest-placed Taiwanese woman at the World Team Championship finals in the British capital, but has not played in a match since the tournament began on April 28.
“It is fundamental to ensure that all athletes compete in a fair, safe and respectful environment, and there must never be any form of inappropriate physical contact,” the Ministry of Sports said in a statement to AFP news agency.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) said an investigation was underway after a female player reported the incident on Saturday during a security check at the venue.
The ITTF said it was “deeply troubled” by the allegations.
“ITTF recognizes that the UK is currently operating in a context of heightened security threat levels, which requires strict entry procedures at venues,” the ITTF said. “However, these protocols must always be carried out professionally and appropriately.”
The Taiwan Table Tennis Association said the incident occurred when the women’s team entered the venue “to prepare for competition.”
According to the association, team officials complained to the organizers, who apologized and notified that the security staff involved had been removed from their duties.
The Taiwanese women’s team, which plays as Chinese Taipei, defeated South Korea 3-1 on Saturday morning, but lost 3-0 to China later the same day. On Sunday, they lost 3-1 to Romania.
The contest will run until Sunday.
