KUALA LUMPUR: Zhang Zhijie, a young Chinese badminton player, tragically died after collapsing on the court during the Asian Junior Badminton Mixed Team Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The incident occurred on Sunday, during the third match between China and Japan at GOR Among Raga.
The score was tied 11-11 in the first game when Zhijie, facing Kazuma Kawano, suddenly collapsed mid-court.
He lay on the court convulsing as the medical team rushed to provide first aid. He was then rushed to the hospital.
Despite receiving intensive care at the hospital, the 17-year-old player died at 23:20 (Indonesian time).
Badminton Asia, the Badminton Association of Indonesia, and the organisers issued a joint statement on Zhijie's death.
"China's Zhang Zhijie, a singles player, collapsed on the court during the evening match. He was rushed to the hospital and died at 23:20 local time yesterday."
Badminton Asia, PBSI, and the organising committee expressed their deepest condolences to Zhijie's parents, family, and the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA).
"The world of badminton has lost a talented player," the statement said.
The Asian Junior Badminton Championships are being held at GOR Among Raga, Yogyakarta, from June 28-July 2 for the mixed team category. The competition will continue with the individual category from July 3-7.
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 Zhijie," Sindhu wrote on X.
"I express my deepest condolences to Zhijie's family during this sad time. The world has lost an extraordinary talent."
