A 17-YEAR-OLD Chinese badminton star has tragically died after collapsing on court.
Zhang Zhijie passed away due to a cardiac arrest during a match against Japan‘s Kazuma Kawano at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia last night.
It was 11-11 in the first game when the teen fell to the ground.
Medics raced over to try and give him treatment before he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
But after repeated efforts to resuscitate him failed, Zhang passed away.
Broto Happy, spokesman for the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), told a press conference: “Medical conclusions indicated that the victim experienced sudden cardiac arrest.”
He added that Zhang’s parents were now travelling to Yogyakarta to retrieve his body and bring it home.”
Happy also fiercely defended medical staff and local organisers after footage appeared to show a hesitant response after the ace had fallen face down.
He claimed that the medical teams had to wait for the referee to give them permission to enter the court.
Zhang took up badminton while in kindergarten.
He was selected for China‘s national youth team last year and he kicked off 2024 by winning a singles title at the prestigious Dutch Junior International.
Following the heartbreak news of his death, it did not take long for tributes to come flooding in.
Badminton Asia and PBSI said: “The world of badminton has lost a talented player.”
Indian star PV Sindhu, an Olympic silver and bronze medallist, said it was “absolutely heartbreaking” news.
He posted on X: “I offer my deepest condolences to Zhang’s family during this devastating time.
“The world has lost a remarkable talent today.”
And China’s badminton association said it was “deeply saddened” in an official statement.
It added: “Zhang Zhijie loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team.”
Meanwhile, a minute’s silence was held before the team tournament today.
And the Chinese team wore black armbands as a mark of respect in their 3-0 win over Taiwan.
