Tragedy struck the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on June 30, 2024, when Zhang Zhijie, a 17-year-old Chinese badminton player, collapsed during a match and later died. Zhang was in the midst of a game against Kazuma Kawano of Japan when he unexpectedly fell onto the court and began having seizures. He received medical attention but passed away that same night.
A video of the unfortunate incident quickly spread online, revealing a delay of approximately 40 seconds before medical assistance arrived. Zhang was first taken to a nearby hospital and then moved to Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, where he was declared dead due to sudden cardiac arrest.
The apparent delay in medical intervention has sparked backlash and increased scrutiny. Critics have questioned the adequacy of the response, citing reports that an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was not immediately available. Responding to these criticisms, Broto Happy, representative for the Badminton Association of Indonesia, clarified that the delay was in accordance with a rule that mandates the referee’s permission before medical personnel can enter the court. This rule has been met with widespread criticism and calls for a reassessment. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has since announced plans to review these protocols to prioritize the safety of athletes in future matches.
The Chinese Badminton Association has issued a statement expressing its deep sorrow and appreciation for the support received: “We feel deeply distressed over Zhang Zhijie’s death from a sudden illness while competing in an international competition. We thank everyone for their concern and support for Zhang Zhijie. We will do our utmost to assist Zhang Zhijie’s family.”
Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) shared a joint statement expressing their profound sorrow, stating, “The world of badminton has lost a gifted player.” They also pledged a thorough review of the incident to improve athlete safety in future tournaments.
Worldwide, athletes and organizations have grieved the loss of Zhang. A moment of silence was observed during the tournament’s quarterfinals, and players wore black armbands as a sign of respect. Indian badminton icon P.V. Sindhu referred to Zhang’s death as “heartbreaking” and extended her deepest condolences to his family.
Zhang, who started playing badminton in kindergarten and recently clinched the singles title at the Dutch Junior International, was hailed as a rising star. His untimely death has significantly affected the international badminton community.