18-7-2024 (YOGYAKARTA) The untimely death of 17-year-old Chinese badminton prodigy Zhang Zhi Jie continues to cast a sombre shadow over the sport, as his body remains in Indonesia more than a fortnight after his tragic collapse during a match at the Asian Junior Championships.
Zhang, a rising star in the badminton world, fell unconscious during his boys’ singles match against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano on Sunday, 30th June, in Yogyakarta. Despite immediate medical attention, the young athlete could not be revived, leaving the badminton community in shock and mourning.
As of today, Zhang’s body is still being held at the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta, even after his family’s arrival from China. The situation has left many questioning the delay in repatriating the deceased player’s remains.
Banu Hermawan, Head of Legal and Public Relations at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, shed light on the current state of affairs. “We have not received any information regarding when the body will be collected and returned to China,” Hermawan stated. He assured that Zhang’s body is being maintained in proper condition while awaiting further instructions.
The unexpected prolonged stay of Zhang’s remains in Indonesia has puzzled many, including officials from the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI). Broto Happy Wondomisnowo, Head of Public Relations and Media for PBSI, expressed the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
“Zhang Zhi Jie’s family has indeed arrived in Yogyakarta, but as of now, Zhang’s body remains at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital. We have no new information beyond this fact,” Wondomisnowo explained.
