China’s rising star in badminton, Zhang Zhi Jie, tragically passed away after collapsing during his boys singles match against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano at the Asian Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, yesterday (June 30).
He was only 17-years-old.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has since taken to their Twitter page to share their condolences and sadness in the world losing a talented player.
They wrote, “REST IN PEACE, ZHI JIE. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Zhang Zhi Jie, as well as to the entire Chinese Badminton Association (CBA).”
“Zhang Zhi Jie, a promising boys’ singles player, tragically passed away on the evening of June 30, 2024, after collapsing on the court during a group stage match at the Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Our thoughts and prayers are with Zhi Jie’s family and the CBA during this difficult time. The entire badminton fraternity mourns the loss of such a gifted player. May his soul rest in peace.”
The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed.
Videos of the match have since circulated on social media.
You can check out the incident here (viewer discretion is advised):
@kita.badminton Pebulutangkis tunggal putra junior China, Zhang Zhi Jie tiba-tiba saja pingsan di Lapangan ketika bertanding melawan Pemain Jepang Kazuma Kawano di Turnamen Badminton Asia Team Junior Championship 2024. Informasinya dia terkena serangan jantung, yg mengakibatkan pingsan dan kejang² di lapangan. Mohon doa nya Semoga ngga kenapa kenapa ya
Do stay tuned for more updates.
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