Japanese badminton player Chiharu Shida has publicly called on her Chinese fans to respect her privacy and cease stalking and intrusive behavior at once. Currently playing in the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, the 27-year-old player said she has been trailed at every tournament in China in the past 18 months, and the experience has made her “very uncomfortable and very scared.”
“Thank you to everyone for your continued support, but I would like to request something from all my fans. 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,” she posted on Instagram.
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Chiharu Shida, a highly respected woman in China and usually called the “most beautiful player” or “Badminton Goddess,” is a top-level player and recently took home the bronze medal alongside her doubles partner Nami Matsuyama at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The duo is presently ranked third in the world.
Fans Go Overboard
Although recognizing that “not all fans are like this,” Shida was thankful for the large number of fans supporting her, yet emphasized that fans’ enthusiasm must remain within limits.
“I know it’s not all fans that are like this, and I really like China and I’m thankful for all the support from fans. Starting now, please immediately stop the stalking and similar behaviour. If this type of situation continues, I will have to think of a way to handle it. Finally, please focus on us in the stadium, not on our private lives. Thanks again,” she added.
Past Events Triggered Alarm
In November 2023, at the China Masters, Shida said she had been inappropriately touched by fans, prompting her to ask for personal space and protection. That event, together with others, triggered an alarm.
The Chinese Olympic Committee has since acted, releasing a statement condemning “obsessive fan culture” and warning that such actions interfere with public order, competition integrity, and sporting ethics.
While Shida continues to excel on the court, she wants fans to show her respect off it too — so that she can play without fear or unease.
