Yogyakarta. Young Chinese badminton player Zha Zhi Jie, 17, passed away after collapsing during a match at the 2024 Asia Junior Championship (AJC) at Amongrogo Sports Hall on Sunday. In response, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has apologized and taken responsibility for repatriating the body to China. Despite the tragedy, the tournament continues.

“We appreciate the other teams, including China, for their sportsmanship in continuing the matches despite their profound grief,” said Broto Happy, spokesperson for the BNI Badminton Asia Junior Championship 2024, to Beritasatu.com on Monday.

To prevent similar incidents, the organizing committee plans to send a letter to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) regarding medical team regulations. According to Broto, the current rules require the medical team to wait for a call from the referee before entering the court.

“We hope that in the future, the situation can be assessed more quickly so that athletes can receive immediate attention and be saved in such emergencies,” Broto said.

However, he could not further explain why the referee did not immediately allow the medical team to enter the court. “The standard operating procedures (SOP) we followed were correct,” he asserted.

He revealed that Zha Zhi Jie’s death occurred suddenly after the athlete collapsed during a match against Kazuma Kawano of Japan in the final group stage match of BAJC 2024 at GOR Amongrogo.

“Upon witnessing the collapse, the medical team immediately provided first aid following the referee’s call. This was in accordance with the SOP and guidelines for international badminton tournaments. The medical team provided first aid as per procedure,” Broto explained.

After administering first aid, the tournament doctor decided to transport Zha Zhi Jie to Dr. S Hardjolukito Air Force Hospital, located 4.7 km (10 minutes) from Amongrogo Sports Hall, as recommended by the Badminton Asia Federation and approved by the referee.

Upon arrival at the emergency room of Dr. S Hardjolukito Hospital, the medical team conducted an assessment but found no pulse or spontaneous breathing, leading them to perform an external cardiac massage. Despite this, the Chinese officials requested the transfer of Zha Zhi Jie to Dr. Sardjito Regional Hospital.

When Zha Zhi Jie arrived at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, there was no pulse or spontaneous breathing, and secondary signs of death were present.

“At Dr. Sardjito Hospital, resuscitation efforts continued for 1.5 hours but yielded no response,” Broto said.

After explaining the situation to the Chinese officials, external cardiac massage was ceased at 11:20 p.m. WIB. The body remains at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, awaiting the arrival of the family for repatriation.

“We will take full responsibility for the repatriation process and ensure it is completed smoothly,” Broto assured.

Meanwhile, Zha Zhi Jie’s mother was hospitalized after hearing the news of her son’s death at the BAJC 2024 in Yogyakarta on Sunday. According to Sina News on Tuesday, she was deeply shocked by the news.

“She immediately fell ill and could not bear the news. The family rushed her to the hospital,” a close family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sina News.

Zha Zhi Jie’s mother continues to receive hospital care. The family has not provided further updates on her current condition.

Zhang was ranked 8th in the world in the junior men’s singles category. He won the U-17 Asia Junior Championship last year and claimed a men’s singles trophy at a junior championship in the Netherlands in February.

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