Devastating news in the world of sports… rising badminton star Zhang Zhijie died after collapsing during a match on Sunday. He was just 17 years old.
The tragic incident occurred during the Asian Junior Badminton Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia… when China’s Zhijie faced Japan’s Kazuma Kawano.
Footage of the incident, which we will not share, shows Zhijie collapsing, falling to the ground, where he appeared to convulse… as his opponent and other officials watched.
Finally, help arrived after more than 35 seconds… and Zhijie was placed on a stretcher and taken to an ambulance. Apparently, no CPR was administered on the court.
Sadly, Zhang passed away at a nearby hospital. The reported cause was cardiac arrest.
Many fans are upset with the response time of the medical team… although an official, Persatuan Bulutangkis Seluruh Indonesia (PBSI), said BBC tournament medical teams had to “follow a rule that required the referee’s permission before entering the court.”
The Badminton World Federation said it is conducting a full investigation into Zhijie’s death… and wants to see if the correct protocols were followed.
A moment of silence as we pay our respects to the late Zhang Zhi Jie.
Rest in peace. photo.twitter.com/DhP4actMDJ
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) July 1, 2024
@BA_Malaysia
“Zhang’s death at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is a tragic event, and we are taking all necessary steps to carefully review this matter in consultation with Badminton Asia and the Indonesian Badminton Association.”
The other players in the tournament honored Zhang with a moment of silence… and his teammates held up his jersey on the podium.
TO TEAR APART