Chinese Table Tennis Champion Says Police Detain User Over Threat Against His Family
Former world champion table tennis player Chen Qi has said that a social media user who sent him a message threatening to murder his entire family has been detained by police in China, bringing a swift conclusion to a case that shocked fans and reignited debate about online abuse of public figures.
Chen, an Olympic gold medallist and one of China’s best known former table tennis stars, revealed earlier this week that he had received a deeply disturbing direct message from an anonymous user on social media. The message contained explicit threats against his family, prompting Chen to immediately report the incident to relevant authorities.
On Wednesday, Chen provided an update through a post on Weibo, China’s largest social media platform. He said the individual behind the account, which used the screen name Dragon in the Clouds, had been placed under administrative detention by police. Chen did not disclose further personal details about the suspect, but thanked law enforcement for acting quickly.
The incident drew widespread attention online, with many users expressing concern over the level of hostility faced by athletes and other public figures in the digital space. Fans and fellow sports personalities voiced support for Chen, praising him for reporting the threat rather than ignoring it and urging stronger action against online harassment.
Administrative detention in China is typically used for public order offenses and allows police to detain suspects for a short period without formal criminal charges. Legal experts say such measures are often applied in cases involving online threats, intimidation, or the spread of harmful content, particularly when there is no evidence that the suspect has acted on the threat.
The case has also sparked renewed discussion about the pressures faced by high profile athletes even after retirement. Although Chen stepped away from professional competition years ago, his legacy and continued involvement in the sport keep him in the public eye. Analysts note that fame, combined with the reach and anonymity of social media, has increased the risk of abuse targeting athletes and their families.
Chinese authorities in recent years have stepped up efforts to regulate online behaviour, introducing stricter rules aimed at curbing cyberbullying, doxxing, and violent threats. Platforms have been instructed to cooperate more closely with police and to remove harmful content quickly. High profile cases involving celebrities or athletes often attract particular attention, serving as warnings to other users.
For many supporters, the swift detention in Chen’s case sends a strong signal that threats made online can carry real consequences. Commentators said it may also encourage other public figures to come forward when they face similar abuse, rather than suffering in silence.
Chen did not elaborate on how the threat affected him or his family, but his brief update suggested relief that the matter had been addressed. He urged fans to remain rational and respectful online, emphasising that disagreement or criticism should never cross into violence or intimidation.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of maintaining safety and civility in online spaces, especially as social media becomes more deeply woven into public life. As authorities and platforms continue to tighten oversight, cases like this underline the message that the virtual world is not beyond the reach of the law.
