Title: Table Tennis Power Struggle: Sports Administration Rips Chinese Taipei Association for Barring Athlete from US Comp
Advocates Athletes' Rights: Sports Agent Urged to Safeguard Athletes' Interests
By Shelley S. / Staff Reporter
Premier Cho Jung-tai has stepped in after the Chinese Taipei Table Tennis Association (CTTTA) unilaterally barred a talented table tennis player, Yeh Yi-tian, from the US Smash competition, sparking tensions. In a rare move, Cho has directed the Sports Administration to support national athletes and their coaches.
The controversy began in April when the CTTTA asked 17-year-old Yeh to join the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in Uzbekistan. Her coach, former Olympic table tennis star Chuang Chih-yuan, declined, as Yeh aimed to focus on three open-age international events, including the US Smash tournament scheduled for July.
The CTTTA's selection and training meeting nonetheless ruled that Yeh would participate in the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships. Yeh is a member of the government-run Gold Program, designed to train Olympic and international competition winners. Chuang again declined, leading to the CTTTA's withdrawal of Yeh Yi-tian's participation in the US Smash.
However, unbeknownst to Chuang, Yeh Yi-tian's training team discovered that she was not on the list of players after the US Smash released the tournament draw.
In response, the CTTTA apologized for the mix-up and stated that while the scheduling conflict between the youth championships and US Smash was inescapable, athletes should prioritize events representing their nation. Yeh Yi-tian's team and the CTTTA are now working together to address the issue.
The Sports Administration, however, was not pleased with the CTTTA's handling of the matter. It criticized the CTTTA for disregarding Yeh Yi-tian's preferences and demanded a public explanation and official apology within 24 hours, threatening to suspend all subsidies. Yeh Kuo-ching, the CTTTA's secretary-general, could also face removal from his position under the National Sports Act.
Premier Cho urged swift action to protect the rights of athletes and their coaches. He underscored the importance of sports associations focusing on athletes, listening to their needs, and modernizing their governance ahead of the upcoming upgrade of the Sports Administration to the Ministry of Sports in September.
The CTTTA has issued an apology and is working to improve its communication with players and coaches[2]. The association will convene a special board meeting and selection and training committee meeting, with the results to be made public[3].
Michelle Lee, Executive Yuan spokesperson, emphasized the need for sports associations to prioritize athletes and coach feedback. All associations will hold elections for new management in March 2023[4].
In light of the controversy, the CTTTA assures that it will align with the Sports Administration's athlete-centered policy, working towards a smoother and more cooperative relationship in the future[1].
[1] CTTTA issues apology, pledges to improve communication (Subscription required)
[2] Table Tennis Association apologizes for Yeh Yi-tian's US Smash ban
[3] Chinese Taipei Table Tennis Association prepares for crisis meeting after controversy
[4] Cheng Shih-chung on Sports Association governance
[5] Yeh Yi-tian: The controversy and its aftermath (Subscription required)
- Despite the ongoing power struggle in table tennis, Premier Cho Jung-tai has emphasized the importance of sports associations focusing on the needs of athletes, such as those participating in football or any other sport.
- The Sports Administration, after supporting national athletes and their coaches in the table tennis dispute, is likely to encourage similar support for athletes in other sports like football, ensuring their rights and preferences are respected.
