A heartbreaking incident unfolded at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as 17-year-old Chinese badminton star Zhang Zhijie collapsed on the court and tragically passed away. Zhijie suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a match against Kazuma Kawano of Japan when the score was 11-11.

Efforts to revive the young athlete were made by the medical staff on site, but sadly, they were unsuccessful. Zhang Zhijie was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Medical experts later confirmed that he had experienced a sudden cardiac arrest.

Zhang Zhijie, who began playing badminton in kindergarten, was a rising star in the sport. He was selected for China’s national youth team last year and had already achieved victory in the singles category at the prestigious Dutch Junior International at the start of 2024.

The news of Zhijie’s untimely demise sent shockwaves throughout the badminton community, with tributes pouring in from around the world. BBC and Badminton Asia expressed their condolences, stating that the world of badminton had lost a talented player. PV Sindhu, an Indian badminton star and multiple Olympic medalist, described the news as “absolutely heartbreaking” and expressed sympathy for the family.

In China, the badminton association issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of Zhang Zhijie. They hailed him as a dedicated player on the national youth badminton team who had a genuine passion for the sport.

To honor the fallen star, a minute of silence was observed before a team tournament, and the Chinese team paid tribute by wearing black armbands during their match against Taiwan, which they won 3-0.

The tragic passing of Zhang Zhijie is a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have. Let us remember him as a talented athlete who brought joy to the world of badminton and keep his memory alive in our hearts.