The death of a 17-year-old Chinese player on court during an Asian Badminton tournament in Indonesia has raised questions in the communist nation over the on-site medics’ response and whether he could have been saved.
Zhang Zhijie was playing against Kazuma Kawano of Japan at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships on Sunday when he collapsed and had seizures.
Badminton officials said medical teams treated Zhang on court and he was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
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He was later taken to the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, a main government hospital in Yogyakarta.
“The conclusion of the examination and treatment of the victim at both hospitals showed the same results, namely that the victim experienced sudden cardiac arrest,” Broto Happy, spokesperson of Badminton Association of Indonesia, told reporters at a news conference.
Badminton players and officials in Yogyakarta paid tribute to Zhang by holding a minute of silence on the court Monday morning before the quarterfinals.
Badminton Asia said it was “immensely saddened” and expressed its condolences to Zhang’s parents and family, adding: “The world of badminton has lost a talented player.”
The Chinese Badminton Association offered its condolences and support to Zhang’s family, and described him as a player who “loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team.”
The Chinese association said its team’s leader, coach, doctor, translator and the tournament medical staff acted quickly after Zhang appeared to faint on the court.
“We feel deeply distressed over the unfortunate death of Zhang Zhijie from a sudden illness while competing in an international competition,” the statement said. “We express our sincere gratitude to all sectors of the society for the concern and help given to Zhang Zhijie. We will do our best to provide help to Zhang Zhijie’s family.”
However, that has not stopped discussion about the issue on social media in China, with messages openly questioning the response time where a hashtag about Zhang’s death has been trending in the days following his death.
Viral footage of the tragic incident shows it took more than 35 seconds before anyone checked on his condition. He was then carried off on a stretcher away from the court.
It’s understood medical teams had followed a rule where they needed the referee’s permission before entering the court.
“That is in accordance with the regulations and standards of procedure that applies to every international badminton tournament,” a spokesperson said.
“Which is more important – the rules or someone’s life?” said a comment which was liked by thousands, according to the BBC.
Another wrote: “Did they miss the ‘golden period’ to rescue him?”
Reports claim first responders did not have an AED machine to treat the cardiac arrest.
Officials from Badminton Asia have said publicly Zhang was taken to an ambulance within two minutes.
The Yogyakarta Resort Police is now investigating the cause of death.