International Olympic Committee unable to give certainties amid concern for Peng Shuai
The HinduAfter five weeks of concern about the safety of tennis player Peng Shuai in China, the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday it cannot give any certainties about her case. The IOC’s two video calls with the Grand Slam doubles champion are the only reported contacts Peng has had with people outside China since Nov. 2 when she sent a social media post alleging she was sexually assaulted by a former top Communist Party official. Asked Tuesday why Peng has not spoken with tennis players or WTA leaders, Adams said: “That I obviously cannot answer because I really don’t know.” Bach did not take part in the online news conference, but German news agency dpa published an interview with the Olympic leader on Tuesday. “And I can assure you that all aspects of this case are being discussed with the Chinese side,” Bach said, noting “talks with Chinese sports organizations and official bodies.” The senior IOC member overseeing Beijing’s Olympic preparations, Juan Antonio Samaranch, did take questions and said there was a “need to be discreet.” “We have to respect her desire for discretion also in this very difficult moment of her life.