Chinese rookie shuttler Zhang Zhijie passes away at the BNI Badminton Asia Junior Championships

The badminton community faced a heartbreaking start to the week as Zhang Zhijie, a promising young Chinese player, tragically passed away after collapsing during a mixed team match at the BNI Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on Sunday, 30 June.

Zhang Zhijie, a rising badminton star, passes away after on-court collapse

17-year-old Zhang Zhijie, a Chinese badminton singles player, died after collapsing on the court during a match at the BNI Badminton Asia Junior Championships held in Yogyakarta. The incident occurred on Sunday evening during the third match between China and Japan at GOR Among Raga.

The score was tied at 11-11 in the first game against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano when Zhang suddenly collapsed mid-court. He lay on the ground convulsing as the medical team rushed to provide first aid. He was quickly transported to the hospital, where he received intensive care. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Zhang passed away at 11.20 PM Indonesian time.

In a joint statement, Badminton Asia, the Badminton Association of Indonesia, and the event organisers expressed their sorrow: “China’s Zhang Zhijie, a singles player, collapsed on the court during the evening match. He was rushed to the hospital and had passed away at 11.20 PM local time yesterday. The world of badminton has lost a talented player.”

Zhang Zhijie was not only a talented athlete but also a rising star in the world of badminton. Born in January 2007 in Jiaxing, he began playing badminton in kindergarten. By the third grade, he had joined the Zhejiang provincial team. His dedication and talent earned him a spot on China’s national youth team in 2023. Zhang’s achievements included winning the boys’ singles title at the 2022 China U-Series Badminton Championships and the 2024 Yonex Dutch Junior International tournament.

Zhang was also scheduled to compete in the individual events at the BNI Badminton Asia Junior Championships, which were set to begin on 3 July. He was the seventh seed in the boys’ singles category and was considered a strong contender for the title. His sudden passing has left a void in the badminton community, with many mourning the loss of a young athlete with a bright future.

Moment of silence untuk Zhang Zhijie.#AJC2024 pic.twitter.com/YqM1J3pa5L

— Badminton Talk (@BadmintonTalk) July 1, 2024

The tragedy has brought attention to the intense physical and mental demands placed on young athletes. The badminton community has rallied together to support Zhang’s family and teammates during this difficult time. Various players, coaches, and fans have expressed their condolences and shared memories of his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.

Zhang’s death is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of prioritising health and well-being, even in the pursuit of athletic excellence. His legacy will be remembered as one of a young athlete who displayed extraordinary talent, passion, and determination on the court.

(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @ba_malaysia)