MADRID, 13 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The WTA has decided this Thursday to lift the veto on China and its circuit tournaments, so the competition will return to the Asian country this September, after the organization suspended its activity in the country in 2021 after denouncing the local tennis player Peng Shuai allegedly sexually abused a former deputy prime minister, according to a statement.
“After a 16-month suspension from competition in China and strong efforts to achieve our initial requests, the situation shows no signs of changing. We have come to the conclusion that we will never fully achieve those goals, and it will be our players and tournaments who Ultimately, they will pay an extraordinary price,” lamented the WTA in its note.
For this reason, reiterating that they believe that their pressure measures on the Asian country will not have any effect, the WTA lifted the suspension of competing in China and will “resume the tournaments” this September.
In 2021, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai “bravely” denounced alleged sexual abuse by former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, after which she gave no sign of life for days. Finally, she reappeared in a talk with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but the WTA considered that it was not enough. She called for an investigation of the case and announced the boycott of China and her tournaments until further notice. The player, now 37 years old, then spoke out stating that it had been a “misunderstanding”, retracting the first version of her.
“The WTA took a stand and suspended their tournaments in China out of concern for their safety and the safety of our players and staff. When we made this decision, we weren’t sure if others would join us. We received a lot of praise for our position principled and we believe we send a powerful message to the world. But praise alone is insufficient to bring about change,” criticized the circuit.
The WTA, which acknowledged not having “achieved” what they set out to do, assured that Peng Shuai “lives safely with his family in Beijing.” “We have also received assurances that WTA players and staff working in China will be safe and secure while in the country,” she added.
“While we do not regret our decision on the suspension, the WTA and its members feel that now is the time to return to China. We are hopeful that further progress can be made upon return,” the WTA said in its statement.
The entity was proud of the “progress” achieved in the last 20 years in China “for tennis to become a focus of recreational activity in the country.” “With the suspension, we give up our ability to provide women in the region with opportunities to advance professionally through tennis and be role models for future generations,” they admitted.
“Peng cannot be forgotten. It is important that our renewed commitment in China provides continued security for Peng and all tennis players who will benefit from our return. It is essential that women’s voices are heard when they speak up. The WTA will continue to advocate for Peng and the advancement of women around the world,” the statement concluded.