Table tennis star accuses security of assault during World Cup in London – after male guard ‘touched her breast’

Taiwanese table tennis star Cheng I-ching has accused a security guard of sexually assaulting her as she arrived at a London arena for a match.

Cheng, 34, was due to play at the World Team Championships in the English capital, and claimed she had inappropriate physical contact with a security guard while undergoing metal detecting procedures.

It is reported that a male guard touched sensitive areas, including her breast, and she took to social media to call for a safer environment for women.

Initially, Cheng was not named, but she chose to break her silence online. She wrote on Instagram: ‘As athletes, we endure enormous physical and mental pressure in the pursuit of better performance on the field, and we also face various forms of unfair treatment.

These are not just my experiences, but challenges faced by countless female athletes around the world. That’s why I chose to stand up this time. To speak out for all female athletes. Sport needs more than just equal opportunities; it needs serious human rights protection.

She added that she will “continue to strive and never back down.”

Table tennis star Cheng I-ching (pictured) has accused a security guard of assault

It is reported that Cheng was removed from her team before the match due to the mental issues from the alleged incident.

The International Table Tennis Federation said in a statement: ‘We recognize that Britain is currently operating under heightened security threat levels, which necessitates strict entry protocols at the venue.

‘However, these protocols must always be carried out professionally and adequately.’

According to the Taiwan Table Tennis Federation, the guard was removed from his position following the allegations.