Chinese Martial Arts Sanshou third-place winner, Wang Qinqin, recently revealed to the media that he was subjected to group bullying at the training center of the Sports Bureau in Jiangsu Province, leading to severe depression.
Wang Qinqin, 25 years old, had previously won third place in the men’s 52kg category at the Third National Martial Arts Sports Conference, the 2018 National Martial Arts Sanshou Championships, and the 2016 National Youth Martial Arts Sanshou Championships, among others.
According to reports from mainland media “Urban Scene” on December 16, around 9:30 pm on April 17 this year, Wang Qinqin was studying online courses in his dormitory at the Jiangsu Province Sports Bureau training center when cyclist Liu and his teammates started making noise outside. When Wang tried to intervene, he was attacked by Liu and others. Wang stated, “There were at least five or more people involved. Later, my lawyer reviewed the surveillance footage and said there were around ten people assaulting me. After about five or six minutes, the coach from the cycling team came and separated them.”
The hospital diagnosis Wang Qinqin presented showed that he suffered orbital contusions and a fracture of the inner wall of the left orbit.
After the incident, Wang Qinqin attempted to report it to the police but was obstructed by the coaches and leaders of the martial arts training center, who claimed it could have a negative impact and promised a satisfactory resolution. However, the leader later advised him to let it go, saying that injuries during training and competitions were common, so “what’s the big deal with this injury?”
Wang Qinqin later learned that Liu, who attacked him, was a champion at the National Games and was vying for a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As a result of the incident, Wang Qinqin developed depression. On September 26, he received a notice from the Jiangsu Province Sports Bureau Martial Arts Management Center, stating that he failed to fulfill his duties as an athlete in training and competitions, leading to his suspension and retirement.
On September 30, Wang Qinqin attempted suicide at the Jiangsu Province Sports Bureau training center, but was found and sent to the hospital. Although he survived, his depression worsened, and a hand tendon injury left him unable to compete normally.
Wang Qinqin’s wife expressed, “Now that my husband has been dismissed and lost his income, we rely solely on my earnings to support the family. My in-laws are also in poor health, with my mother-in-law suffering from a stroke and partial paralysis.” She hopes to seek justice for her husband through legal means.
Following the exposure of the incident, it sparked discussions among netizens.
Many internet users commented, “Those who have practiced sports, especially in professional teams, know about such incidents but often choose not to make it public. Intra-team conflicts and fights are not uncommon.” “They should have reported it to the police immediately. The sports college and those involved wanted to settle it quietly for the Olympic selection, asking for your understanding. Now these people act with impunity.”
“Athletes should embody the Olympic spirit, especially those aiming for the Olympics, as true Olympic athletes should possess both moral and athletic qualities.” “The leader who prevented the victim from reporting the assault should be held accountable. Preventing the victim from seeking justice and then dismissing him is like a scene from a TV drama playing out in real life.”
After the incident gained public attention online, on December 17, employees of the Jiangsu Province Sports Bureau Training Centre rebutted rumors in the “China News Weekly,” claiming that the content shared by Wang Qinqin and his family in the news was completely inconsistent with the facts, and they had reported the matter to the local police station.
The response from the Jiangsu Province Sports Bureau Training Centre sparked controversy once again, with comments speculating, “They’re avoiding the real issue. Did an assault occur or not?” “This must be true.” “The assailant is a champion, and the victim a third-place winner, hence the attempt to downplay the situation.” “The water is indeed deep.”