Badminton Star's Plea: Stalking Fears in China

Japanese badminton star Chiharu Shida has publicly appealed to her Chinese fans to cease stalking behavior that has left her feeling “very uncomfortable and very scared.” The 27-year-old, competing in the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, revealed on social media that she and her doubles partner, Nami Matsuyama, have been subjected to stalking at every Chinese competition for the past 18 months.

Shida, known affectionately as the “most beautiful player” and nicknamed “Badminton Goddess” by many Chinese fans, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she receives but emphasized the need for respectful boundaries. In a recent Instagram post, she pleaded with fans to stop the intrusive behavior, stating it has escalated to a point where she fears for her safety.

“We have been stalked every time we compete in China… Recently, we’ve been feeling very uncomfortable and very scared,” Shida wrote. She clarified that her request wasn’t directed at all fans, acknowledging the majority are supportive, but urged an immediate end to the stalking and any similar intrusive actions. She warned that continued harassment would force her to consider more drastic measures.

Shida and Matsuyama recently secured a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics and are currently ranked third in the world. This isn’t the first time Shida has addressed the issue; in November 2023, she revealed she was stalked and inappropriately touched during the China Masters tournament.

The Chinese Olympic Committee previously responded to Shida’s concerns, issuing a statement condemning “obsessive fan culture” and highlighting its disruptive impact on competitions, public order, and sporting ethics.

While enthusiastic fandom is a common aspect of international sports, this situation underscores a disturbing trend of boundary violations and the need for greater respect for athletes’ personal space and safety. It’s crucial that fan enthusiasm doesn’t cross the line into harassment and that governing bodies and fans alike prioritize the well-being of those who compete. The responsibility lies with both the fans to behave respectfully and with event organizers to ensure a safe environment for all participants.