Paris Olympics: IOC says no new probe into Wang bat damage as China fans demand answers
- Wang Chuqin’s favourite table tennis bat was broken in a scrum of photographers as he celebrated winning mixed doubles gold
The International Olympic Committee said the incident that damaged China table tennis star Wang Chuqin’s favourite paddle had been thoroughly investigated and the matter closed.
A photographer had accidentally stepped on the bat, officials said, and the case was considered dealt with.
Wang had been celebrating winning mixed doubles gold with partner Sun Yingsha at the time of the incident, and surprisingly lost his first singles match against eventual finalist Truls Moregard the following day.
The world No 1 declined to blame using a spare bat, but fans on social media have demanded answers and those calls were amplified on Tuesday, when state media said organisers were investigating.
According to the Beijing Youth Daily, the organising Committee of the Paris Olympics said it “deeply regrets the incident is investigating the causes to ensure it does not repeat itself”.
“Paris 2024 has strongly reminded photographers that they must adhere to the strict guidelines in place and always remain in the designated photo areas,” it said.
