The sudden death of Zhang Zhijie, a 17-year-old Chinese badminton player, during a youth match has stirred widespread outrage on Chinese social media.
Zhang collapsed on court in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, experiencing convulsions, and despite efforts by medical teams, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Footage of the incident circulated widely online, showing a delay of about 40 seconds before medics intervened, prompting criticism of officials and questions about whether quicker medical action could have saved Zhang’s life.
Indonesia’s badminton association, PBSI, later confirmed that Zhang had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
The incident occurred during the Badminton Asia Junior Championships match, where Zhang was playing against Kazuma Kawano of Japan.
Criticism focused on a rule requiring medical teams to await the referee’s permission before entering the court, a standard procedure in international badminton tournaments.
PBSI defended this rule, stating it aligns with international tournament regulations but acknowledged the need for a reassessment to allow quicker responses in critical situations.
This sentiment was echoed by Chinese social media users on Weibo, where outrage mounted over perceived prioritization of rules over human life.
“Which is more important – the rules or someone’s life?” questioned one widely liked comment. Others criticized the delay in medical intervention, calling for reforms to ensure faster emergency responses in sports events.
Chinese state media also weighed in, with Xinhua publishing a commentary highlighting the incident’s critical examination of emergency procedures in sports.
It emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing life above all else on the playing field.
Zhang Zhijie, recognized as a promising talent in badminton, received numerous tributes following his untimely death, underscoring the profound impact of his loss on the sport.
Source-BBC
