Chiharu Shida Urges Fans to Stop Stalking Amid Championships

NINGBO, China (AP) — Japanese badminton star Chiharu Shida has made a heartfelt appeal to fans in China, urging them to cease stalking her during competitions. The 27-year-old athlete expressed her feelings of discomfort and fear in a social media post on Tuesday.

Shida, who gained acclaim after winning a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics last year, highlighted her distress over repeated instances of stalking every time she competes in China over the past 18 months. Her popularity in the country has made her a prominent figure, often dubbed ‘the most beautiful badminton player’ on social media.

“Thank you to everyone for your continued support, but I would like to request something from all my fans,” Shida stated in her post, written in simplified Chinese characters. “We have been stalked every time we compete in China, it has already been going on for a year and a half. Recently, we’ve been feeling very uncomfortable and very scared.”

Shida did not elaborate on the specifics of these encounters or the identity of “we,” which has drawn curiosity from her followers. Her doubles partner, Nami Matsuyama, accompanies her in these competitions, and it remains unclear if she has experienced similar issues.

The badminton community is rallying around Shida’s appeal, urging fans to respect athletes’ boundaries, especially during high-pressure events like the Badminton Asia Championships. As the tournament progresses, it will be crucial for both players to feel safe and supported.