Chiharu Shida Urges Chinese Fans To Stop Stalking

Japanese badminton player Chiharu Shida has publicly urged her Chinese fans to respect her privacy and cease stalking behavior, which she says has left her feeling 'very uncomfortable and very scared' during competitions in China over the past 18 months. Currently participating in the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, Shida, who won a bronze medal in women's doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressed gratitude to supportive fans while highlighting the negative impact of obsessive fandom. In her Instagram post, she requested that fans focus on her performance rather than her personal life, warning that she may need to take further action if the stalking continues. Shida's concerns echo broader issues of extreme fan behavior that have prompted the Chinese government to take measures against harassment in recent years. She acknowledged that not all fans engage in such behavior and emphasized her appreciation for the majority of her supporters. The Chinese Olympic Committee has also condemned obsessive fan culture, underscoring the need for respect towards athletes.