‘Stop the stalking': Japanese badminton star asks fans in China to keep distance
Japanese badminton star Chiharu Shida has pleaded with fans in China to stop stalking her, saying that she feels 'very uncomfortable and very scared'.
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Shida, who is playing in the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, on Tuesday said on social media that every time she has competed in mainland China in the past 18 months, she has encountered stalkers.
The 27-year-old, who won a bronze medal in the women's doubles at the Paris Olympics last year, is hugely popular in China and is often referred to as '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 wrote.
'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 Chiharu (right) with doubles partner Nami Matsuyama. Photo: Xinhua
Shida, writing in simplified Chinese characters, did not elaborate further or explain her use of 'we'. Her doubles partner is Nami Matsuyama.
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