SINGAPORE

The national sports agency, Sport Singapore (SportSG), has swiftly dismissed a wave of sensational allegations aimed at former national table tennis champion Feng Tianwei, who has been accused of “misappropriation of public funds” by an individual claiming to be her former physical trainer.

The man, identified as Zhou Xiang, recently unleashed a barrage of accusations in an extensive 100-page dossier sent to media outlets and various agencies, including SportSG and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. His claims are reportedly tied to financial disagreements stemming from an alleged personal arrangement with Feng, who hung up her paddles in 2022 and currently holds an esteemed position as an assistant director at SportSG and principal of the ActiveSG Table Tennis Academy.

In response to inquiries from The Straits Times, a SportSG representative stated on November 19 that the agency had looked into the allegations. They confirmed there is “no evidence to support claims of misappropriation of public funds,” emphasizing that past accusations made by Zhou in 2021 were found to be “without merit.” Furthermore, the agency clarified that any remaining issues pertain strictly to personal and contractual disagreements between Zhou and Feng.

Feng, now 38, has confirmed her brief collaboration with Zhou in 2018, lasting seven months before he exited to focus on his postgraduate studies. She indicated that no financial disputes arose during their time together. Tensions escalated when Zhou made derogatory remarks about her coach, Li Jiao — a former Netherlands player from China. Following unsuccessful attempts to intervene, Feng reported Zhou’s online harassment to his academic supervisor.

Screenshots shared by Feng exhibit a shocking pattern of aggressive communication, with Zhou allegedly hurling profanities and personal attacks directed at Feng and her family. “Since late 2018, Zhou Xiang has subjected my family and me to a torrent of insults and threats that have taken a significant toll on our mental well-being,” Feng expressed.

Disturbingly, the former Olympian disclosed that Zhou had previously made false allegations to SportSG in 2021, which were thoroughly investigated and subsequently deemed baseless. “I have held back from going public with this ordeal, but it’s time to set the record straight and focus on my post-retirement life,” she stated, highlighting her intent to gather legal evidence against Zhou’s damaging statements.

Li Jiao confirmed she too has endured online hostility from Zhou, revealing the substantial distress it has caused her family. As a coach currently based in China, she is seeking legal measures to put an end to the harassment.

While Zhou has not yet comment on these allegations, Feng’s former coach, He Keyi, who worked with her from 2019 to 2022, fiercely defended her character. “I have seen the hateful things said about her online, but my time coaching her was filled with positivity. She genuinely values relationships and supports her team. If she were as described, I would not have continued coaching her for so long,” He affirmed.

Feng has an illustrious history in competitive sports, including Olympic medals — a team silver and bronze in 2008 and 2012, respectively, as well as an individual bronze in 2012. Her storied career also boasts nine Commonwealth Games gold medals and eight SEA Games titles. Notably, she was a key player in Singapore's historic win at the 2010 World Team Table Tennis Championships, where they stunned China to claim the title.

Will this scandal take a legal turn? How will Feng navigate her post-retirement career amidst these turbulent accusations? Stay tuned as this story develops!