On Tuesday, July 2, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) declared its intention to conduct a comprehensive review in response to the tragic passing of 17-year-old Chinese player Zhang Zhijie.
Zhang collapsed during a match at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Despite being swiftly transported to the hospital after falling on Sunday, he succumbed to cardiac arrest later that night. Concerns have been raised regarding the timeliness of medical assistance at the venue, with footage showing a delay of 40 seconds before aid reached the court.
“We are taking all necessary steps to thoroughly review this matter in consultation with Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI),” the BWF said in a statement.
A PBSI spokesperson attributed the delayed emergency response to the referee, citing adherence to BWF rules. The BWF emphasized that it will evaluate the necessity of revising these guidelines following the review.
Additionally, the federation is awaiting an official report from Badminton Asia and the local organizing committee to ascertain whether appropriate medical procedures were adhered to when Zhang collapsed.
