Know the age, cause of death and ranking of badminton player Zhang Zhi Jie
A 17-year-old Chinese badminton player died after collapsing on the court during an international tournament in Indonesia, officials announced on Monday, mourning him as “outstanding” and “talented”.
Zhang Zhijie suddenly became ill during a match against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta late Sunday.
Who is Zhang Zhi Jie as badminton player dies after collapsing during match in viral video, cause of death, bio, age and ranking
BREAKING: 17-year-old Chinese badminton player Zhang Zhijie has died of cardiac arrest after collapsing on the court during a tournament in Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/X5fg6GJVGH
— Wide Awake Media (@wideawake_media) July 1, 2024
Zhang Zhijie collapsed and had seizures while playing against Kazuma Kawano of Japan at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships on Sunday.
Badminton officials reported that medical teams treated Zhang on the court before rushing him to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
The score was tied at 11-11 in the first game when Zhang fell to the floor. He received treatment at the venue and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, but efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
As of now the cause of death isn’t declared. While rumors claim it could be a heart attack, nothing has been officially confirmed by the local hospital. A joint statement was released by the Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia following the tragic incident.
What Did Badminton Association Say?
The statement of Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia reads, “China’s Zhang Zhijie, a singles player, collapsed on the court during a match in the evening.
“He was sent to the hospital where he passed away at 23:20 local time yesterday.”
June 30: 17-year-old 🇨🇳 badminton player Zhang Zhijie (张志杰) died after collapsing on the court during a mixed team match — while playing his boys singles match against 🇯🇵 Kazuma Kawano — at the Asian Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/X8jYN2Jmd3
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) July 1, 2024
About Zhang Zhi Jie
17 year old Zhang Zhi Jie began playing badminton in kindergarten and joined China’s national youth team last year. Earlier this year, he won the singles title at the Dutch Junior International, a prestigious youth tournament.
Zhang was a Chinese badminton player who tragically passed away during the Badminton Asia Junior Championship in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and born in January 2007 in Jiaxing, Zhang Zhi began playing badminton in pre-school and demonstrated his dedication and talent.
At the China U Series Badminton Championships 2022 event, he won the boy’s singles category and achieved victory at the 2024 Dutch Junior International, showcasing his talents on the International badminton stage.
Zhang was a rising star in badminton, ranked eighth globally in the junior category. He had a sister as well.
China’s badminton association revealed that the local hospital had not yet identified the cause of death. On Monday, the team tournament in Yogyakarta held a moment of silence, and the Chinese team wore black armbands in respect.
Tributes Poured In
India’s P.V. Sindhu, who has won Olympic silver and bronze medals, called Zhang’s death “absolutely heartbreaking” and offered her deepest condolences to Zhang’s family during this devastating time.
In addition, Badminton players and officials in Yogyakarta paid tribute to Zhang by holding a minute of silence on the court Monday morning before the quarterfinals.
The Chinese Badminton Association offered condolences and support to Zhang’s family, describing him as a player who “loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team.”
The association also revealed that the team’s leader, coach, doctor, translator, and the tournament medical staff acted quickly after Zhang appeared to faint on the court.
ALSO READ: Who is Mark Lajal, bio, age, height, coach, tennis ranking, prize money earnings and net worth