A table tennis star has claimed she was sexually assaulted by a security guard while attending the World Team Championships in London.
Cheng I-ching, 34, has alleged she was touched inappropriately during metal detector checks at the tournament at a London venue.
A report was initially made without naming Cheng, but she spoke out in a post on Instagram, the Mail reported.
She reportedly did not join her team for the subsequent game due to her distress from the incident.
Cheng said: “As athletes, we endure immense physical and mental pressure in pursuit of better performance on the field, and we are also forced to confront various forms of unfair treatment.
“These are not just my experiences, but challenges faced by countless female athletes around the world. That's why this time, I've chosen to stand up.
“To speak out for all female athletes. Sports needs more than just equal opportunities; it needs the serious protection of human rights.”
The International Table Tennis Federation said: “We recognise that the UK is currently operating under heightened security threat levels, which necessitates stringent entry protocols at the venue.
“However, these protocols must always be executed professionally and appropriately.”
The security guard was removed from duties following the allegations, according to the Taiwan Table Tennis Federation.
