Zhang Zhi Jie, a young Chinese badminton player, died after he collapsed on the court during Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The 17-year-old Chinese shuttler was playing against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano and the first game was tied 11-11, when the youngster collapsed. After receiving intensive care at the hospital, Zhang Zhi Jie ultimately could not be helped.
Badminton Asia, PBSI, and the organizers of the 2024 Asian Junior Badminton Championships have issued a joint statement regarding the news of Zhang Zhi Jie’s death.
“Chinese singles player Zhi Jie collapsed on the court during a match. The tournament doctor and medical team rushed to provide immediate assistance.”
“He was then taken to the hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead at 11.20pm local time yesterday (Sunday),” they said.
“The badminton world has lost a talented player,” they added.
India’s two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu expressed her condolences.
“Truly heartbreaking news from the Asian Junior Badminton Championships regarding the death of a young player named Zhang Zhi Jie,” Sindhu wrote on X.
“I express my deepest condolences to Zhi Jie’s family during this sad time. The world has lost an extraordinary talent.”
The team event of the tournament started on June 28 and will continue until July 2. The competition will continue with the individual category from July 3-7.
