Peng Shuai: IOC rejects criticism of Chinese tennis player’s approach to situation

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The International Olympic Committee has dismissed criticism of how it handled contacts with Peng Shuai.

Concerns were expressed for the safety and well-being of the Chinese star after she alleged in November that she had been sexually assaulted by a senior government official in the country.

The IOC, which hosts the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, said it would use “quiet diplomacy” in the matter and announced on November 21 that its president, Thomas Bach, had held a video call of 30 minutes with Peng.

Images of the call have not been released and organizations, including the WTA, remain deeply concerned for his safety. This organization has suspended the organization of events in China because of its concerns for Peng.

The IOC announced that it held another video call with Peng on December 2 and agreed to a personal meeting in January.

The head of the IOC Beijing Games Coordination Commission, Juan Antonio Samaranch, defended the approach taken so far and said: “Do not ignore silent diplomacy, it is a very powerful tool. We plan to stick with that for issues of this caliber, difficulty and importance. “

Samaranch appeared to criticize what he saw as a politicization of Peng’s situation.

“Everyone should focus on the welfare of Peng Shuai and not try to use it for other purposes,” he said.

Asked how the IOC initiated the contact, Samaranch said, “We have regular conversations with sports organizations in China as a whole. We are in direct contact (with Peng) – both the President and the Athletes’ Commission.

You have to be discreet and respect your desire for discretion in this difficult moment of your life.

Juan Antonio Samaranch

“You have to be discreet and respect your desire for discretion at this difficult moment in your life. We believe that we are dealing with a person and the most important thing is to help a person solve a problem that they might have in the best possible way.

“Our idea is to center and focus on the well-being of the athlete and we do that wholeheartedly.”

Announcing the suspension of WTA events in China, its general manager Steve Simon said last week: for women – would suffer a huge setback.

“I won’t and can’t let this happen to the WTA and its players.

“Considering the current state of affairs, I am also very concerned about the risks all of our players and staff may face if we host events in China in 2022.”

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