During an international badminton event in Indonesia, a 17-year-old Chinese player died on falling the court.
An international badminton event was taking place in Indonesia when the 17-year-old Chinese player collapsed on the court. Officials announced his death on Monday and described him as “outstanding” and “talented.” Late on Sunday at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Zhang Zhijie unexpectedly became ill while playing against Kazuma Kawano of Japan. In the opening game, Zhang went to the ground with the score tied at eleven. He was treated on-site and transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he later died despite unsuccessful attempts at resuscitation.
It was not immediately clear what caused the death.
In a joint statement released on Monday, Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) stated that Zhang Zhijie, a singles player from China, had fainted on the court during an evening match.
“After being admitted to the hospital, he passed away yesterday at 23:20 local time.
“The medical staff and tournament doctor took care of him. In less than two minutes, the standby ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.
“A gifted player has left the badminton world,” the statement continued.
Zhang joined China’s national youth badminton squad last year, having begun the sport in kindergarten.
He triumphed in the singles division of the Dutch Junior International, a renowned young competition, earlier this year.
The badminton organization of China expressed its “deep sadness.”
The CBA released a statement saying, “Zhang Zhijie loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team.”
It continued: “At present the local hospital has not yet identified the cause of death.”
On Monday, there was a moment of silence during the team competition in Yogyakarta. The Chinese team showed their appreciation by donning black armbands.
Zhang’s passing was described as “absolutely heartbreaking” by Olympic silver and bronze medallist P.V. Sindhu of India.
Not present at the competition, Sindhu posted on X, “I offer my deepest condolences to Zhang’s family during this devastating time.”
“The world has lost a remarkable talent today.”
