A talented Chinese badminton player has died after collapsing on court during a match.
Zhang Zhijie, 17, was playing against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships when he suddenly collapsed and had seizures.
Footage of the distressing incident has been widely shared on social media with many questioning the time it took for medical officials to tend to him.
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Zhang was on the ground for over 30 seconds before medics treated him and eventually took him to hospital via ambulance. He died later that night.
The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) said Zhang “experienced a sudden cardiac arrest.”
A PBSI spokesperson also told reporters that medical teams had to follow a rule they needed the referee’s permission before entering the court.
“That is in accordance with the regulations and standards of procedure that applies to every international badminton tournament,” he said.
The Badminton World Federation released a statement saying they will investigate the incident.
“Zhang’s death at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia is a tragic occurrence, and we are taking all necessary steps to thoroughly review this matter in consultation with Badminton Asia and Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI),” they said.
“While the Badminton Asia Junior Championships are under the jurisdiction of Badminton Asia, BWF does have an overall set of medical guidelines and instructions that are available for use by other governing bodies (regional or national) hosting BWF-sanctioned tournaments. However, it is up to each governing body as to how it implements these medical protocols and practices onsite at its events.
“BWF is waiting for an official report from Badminton Asia and the Local Organising Committee to assess whether the correct medical procedures were followed in providing aid to Zhang when he fell to the court.”
“According to the guidelines, the tournament doctor, under the direction of the referee, has the responsibility to respond to emergencies on court, including suspected cardiac arrest, and in this scenario, to provide intervention until proper medical services can be available (e.g. ambulance).
“When implementing these guidelines, it is reinforced that all personnel need to be ready at all times to respond to all required medical interventions, including emergencies, as soon as possible.
“Following the completion of our review, we will determine whether specific aspects of these guidelines need to be changed.
“An existing review, initiated earlier this year, evaluating the BWF policies and procedures regarding emergency intervention by tournament doctors to ensure the most appropriate and timely care, will include findings from BWF’s assessment and the Badminton Asia report.”
Tributes have come pouring in for the talented teenager.
“Badminton Asia, PBSI and the organising committee are immensely saddened and expressed their deepest condolences to Zhang’s parents, family and Chinese Badminton Association (CBA),” Badminton Asia said.
“The world of badminton has lost a talented player.”
And tournament officials and players held a moment of silence for Zhang.
