Indonesian Police Investigate Chinese Athlete Zhang Zhi Jie's Cause of Death after Mid Court Collapse

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Yogyakarta Resort Police is investigating the cause of death of the Chinese badminton player, Zhang Zhi Jie, 17 years old, while competing in the 2024 Asian Junior Badminton Championship at Among Rogo Sports Hall, Yogyakarta, on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

A video circulating on social media showed the athlete's sudden collapse on the badminton court. He lay in the middle of the field before the medical team rushed over to give the young Chinese athlete first aid. He was then carried off on a stretcher away from the court. 

"We are currently investigating the cause of the athlete's death," Yogyakarta Police spokesperson Adjunct Pol. Comm. Sujarwo said on Monday, July 1, 2024.

The police have not revealed the probing results of several witnesses and the championships committee, whether the death was purely an unfortunate accident or there were other elements to consider.

"There is no other alleged cause of death yet,” he said.

According to reports received by the police, the athlete fainted while competing and was then given life-saving measures. "Since there is a standard operating procedure for every single thing happening on the court, (the aid) requires permission from the referee,” he added. "Once the referee greenlights it, (they) provided aid (to the athlete).”

Sujarwo said the medical team prepared by the committee carried out first aid on the field and immediately took the young athlete to TNI AU Central Hospital (RSPAU) Hardjolukito in Yogyakarta. The athlete received cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR at the hospital, according to the standard operating procedure.

"At the request of the Chinese official team, the athlete was then transferred to Sardjito General Hospital for critical treatment, but his life could not be saved," he said.

Zhang Zhi Jie was pronounced dead at Sardjito General Hospital on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 11:20 p.m. local time. 

The 2024 Asian Junior Badminton Championship takes place in Yogyakarta, slated for June 28 to July 7, 2024, at Among Rogo Sports Hall. As many as 15 countries participate for the group number while 18 countries join the individual numbers.

PRIBADI WICAKSONO

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