The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), World Table Tennis (WTT) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) are deeply troubled by the account of a female athlete who reported experiencing inappropriate physical contact during an entry security check at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 today.

Every athlete deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected at all times and in all spaces. What has been described is completely unacceptable. We want to be absolutely clear: the safety and dignity of our athletes are non-negotiable.

The ITTF, WTT and LOC have been in direct contact with the athlete’s team and are committed to ensuring she receives the full assistance and support she needs.

A comprehensive fact-finding and safeguarding investigation is currently underway. We recognize 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. No party involved in the organisation of this event will tolerate any conduct that compromises the wellbeing of athletes, and we expect this matter to be treated with the full seriousness it deserves. ITTF, WTT, the LOC are working through a comprehensive review of the situation.

Our thoughts are with the athlete, and we remain focused on ensuring she feels supported throughout this process and beyond. We are dedicated to working to ensure the fundamental dignity of all participants is protected and that measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.