Taiwan Protests Chinese Representation by Local Athlete in World Kendo Championships

Taiwan's sports administration will request its Kendo Association to protest with the International Kendo Federation over a Taiwanese athlete representing China at the 2024 World Kendo Championships in Italy. The issue involves nationality and affiliation amid ongoing political disputes between Taiwan and China in international sports.

Taiwan's sports administration announced on Friday that it will urge its Kendo Association to lodge a formal protest with the International Kendo Federation. This move comes after allegations that a Taiwanese athlete represented China in the recent world kendo championships in Italy.

The allegations were first raised by YouTuber Potter King, who claimed that Su Yu-cheng, a Taiwanese kendo athlete, competed as part of the Chinese team during the 2024 World Kendo Championships held in Milan, from July 4 to 7.

The Taiwanese Kendo Association noted that Su has been residing long-term in Xiamen, China. However, it is unclear whether he has officially changed his citizenship to the People's Republic of China. This issue has been referred to the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) for further investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)