Sudden Death of Chinese Badminton Player, PBSI to Ask for Change in Rules

YOGYAKARTA – The death of Chinese badminton player Zhang Zi Jie while competing in the 2024 Badminton Asia Junior Championships (BAJC), Yogyakarta has sparked rumors of slow assistance from the organizers. The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) has asked for a change in the rules.

“Management in a match in the middle of the field is all controlled or commanded by the referee. So if you look at the video, the Referee is not there or has not yet decided to call the medical team on the field. That’s all I can say. As for why, maybe you can ask the referee,” said PBSI’s Head of Public Relations and Media, Broto Happy in a virtual press conference, Monday (1/7/2024).

As a result, young badminton player from China, Zhang Zi Jie lost his life after collapsing on the court while facing Japanese representative, Kazuma Kawamo, Sunday (30/6/2024) yesterday. The 17-year-old player suddenly fell and had convulsions. The committee provided first aid before being rushed to the hospital. However, he was pronounced dead at the hospital at 23.20 WIB.

Various parties highlighted the issue of first aid given to Zhang Zijie . Based on the rules of the world badminton organization BWF, the decision to call the medical team depends on the referee. Therefore, PBSI will write to BWF to review the rules for the safety of the players.

“That in the future, maybe we will send a letter to BWF so that the rules on the medical team can be entered after the referee’s call. We hope that in the future it must be faster if an emergency occurs, the rules are reviewed, can be defeated. Because everything is for the safety of athletes, and also for the good of all players who compete in the middle of the field,” said Broto.

(msf)