'Our deepest condolences': BWF releases statement following death of Chinese teenage shuttler

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Tuesday released a statement following the death of a 17 year-old teenage shuttler from China. The shuttler, Zhang Zhijie, had collapsed on the court on Monday during the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Zhang Zhijie was playing against Kazuma Kawano of Japan with the scores 11-11 in the first game at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships on Sunday when he collapsed and had seizures. Badminton officials said medical teams treated Zhang on court and he was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital. He was later taken to the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, a main government hospital in Yogyakarta.

“We take this opportunity to again express our deepest condolences to Zhang Zhi Jie’s family, his teammates, the Chinese Badminton Association and the entire Chinese badminton community,” said a statement by the BWF. The statement adds that Zhang’s death is a “tragic occurrence” and that all necessary steps would be taken to “thoroughly review” the matter with Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

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“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,” the statement adds.

📢 Updated BWF statement pic.twitter.com/KITm5I3dQ3

— BWF (@bwfmedia) July 2, 2024

“The conclusion of the examination and treatment of the victim at both hospitals showed the same results, namely that the victim experienced sudden cardiac arrest,” Broto Happy, spokesperson of Badminton Association of Indonesia, told reporters at a news conference on Monday.

Badminton players and officials in Yogyakarta paid tribute to Zhang by holding a minute of silence on the court Monday morning before the quarter-finals.

Badminton Asia said it was “immensely saddened” and expressed its condolences to Zhang’s parents and family, adding: “The world of badminton has lost a talented player.”

The Chinese Badminton Association offered its condolences and support to Zhang’s family, and described him as a player who “loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team.”

The Chinese association said its team’s leader, coach, doctor, translator and the tournament medical staff acted quickly after Zhang appeared to faint on the court.

“We feel deeply distressed over the unfortunate death of Zhang Zhijie from a sudden illness while competing in an international competition,” the statement said. “We express our sincere gratitude to all sectors of the society for the concern and help given to Zhang Zhijie. We will do our best to provide help to Zhang Zhijie’s family.”

With inputs from The Associated Press