The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced on its official website Tuesday that a comprehensive review is underway into the emergency response following the tragic death of Chinese badminton player Zhang Zhijie.

Expressing its deepest condolences, the BWF extended sympathies to Zhang's family, his teammates, the Chinese Badminton Association, and the broader Chinese badminton community.

Photo provided by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) shows Chinese team member holds a badminton jersey of Zhang Zhijie during the award ceremony of mixed team of 2024 Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, July 2, 2024. Zhang Zhijie, a 17-year-old Chinese badminton player, passed away after collapsing on court during a group stage match at Badminton Asia Junior Championship on June 30, 2024. (PBSI/Handout via Xinhua)

Zhang, a promising 17-year-old badminton star, collapsed on the court during the final group stage match at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on Sunday (June 30). He was later pronounced dead in hospital, sparking widespread grief among Chinese fans and raising concerns over emergency medical protocols for athletes.

"Zhang's death...is a tragic occurrence, and we are taking all necessary steps to thoroughly review this matter," stated the BWF, adding that it is in consultation with Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), the local organizers of the tournament.

The federation emphasized that while the Badminton Asia Junior Championships fall under the jurisdiction of Badminton Asia, the BWF provides overarching medical guidelines for use by regional and national bodies hosting BWF-sanctioned events. However, the implementation of these protocols varies with specific governing bodies.

The BWF said that it is awaiting an official report from Badminton Asia and the local organizing committee to evaluate whether correct medical procedures were followed in providing aid to Zhang when he fell to the court.

According to BWF guidelines, the tournament doctor, under the referee's direction, is responsible for responding to on-court emergencies, including suspected cardiac arrest, and providing necessary intervention until proper medical services arrive.

The federation stressed the importance of readiness among all personnel to respond swiftly to emergencies, reinforcing that immediate and effective medical intervention is crucial.

Findings from the current assessment and the forthcoming Badminton Asia report will contribute to the broader evaluation, potentially leading to updates in the existing guidelines, the BWF said. 

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