THE death of Chinese badminton player Zhang Zhi Jie has sparked outrage on Chinese social media. A number of Weibo users questioned the statement of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) regarding the regulation on handling medical teams in tournaments.
Zhang Zhi Jie died following fainting and having a seizure on the field during the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Sunday night (30/6).
Video footage of the incident that has been widely circulated online shows the medical team only entering for regarding 40 seconds to treat Zhang.
Head of Public Relations and Media for PP PBSI Broto Happy said that in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) regulations, the medical team is only allowed to visit athletes on the field if they have received permission from the match referee.
Management in a badminton match is fully controlled or commanded by the referee. While in yesterday’s incident, there was indeed a time lag between Zhang starting to collapse until the referee allowed medical personnel to enter the arena.
“So if you look at the video (of the Zhang Zhie Jie incident), the referee was not there, had not entered, or had not called the medical team on the field. If it’s a question of why, maybe you can ask the referee,” said Broto.
Also read: This is the Official BWF Statement Regarding the Death of Zhang Zhi Jie
PBSI then sent a letter to BWF so that the rules regarding the medical team entering the arena following obtaining permission from the referee might be reconsidered.
But Chinese social media users on Weibo have expressed their anger, with many criticizing PBSI’s statement on the BWF rule.
“Which is more important, the rules or a person’s life?” said a comment that was liked by thousands.
Also read: Reflecting on Zhang Zhi Jie, Athletes Also Need to Check Their Heart Health
“Did they miss the ‘golden time’ to save him?” read another comment under the hashtag for Zhang’s death, which trended on Weibo for days.
While others called on the Badminton World Federation to change the rules, one said: “Why do we need permission if lives are at stake?”
Chinese media Xinhua wrote the incident raised critical questions regarding emergency response procedures at sporting events.
Also read: Zhang Zhi Jie’s Story of Buying Gifts for His Mother, Grandfather and Grandmother from the First Tournament Bonus
“Regardless of how the rules are formulated or how the referee officiates the game, putting life first must always be the supreme rule on the field of play.”
Meanwhile, BWF has issued an official statement regarding Zhang Zhi Jie’s death. BWF said that it has a set of guidelines and medical instructions. However, how to implement the protocol and medical practices is returned to each governing body that hosts the tournament.
“Although the BWF Asia Junior Championships falls under the jurisdiction of Badminton Asia, BWF has a set of medical guidelines and instructions that can be used by other governing bodies (regional or national) hosting BWF-sanctioned tournaments. However, how these medical protocols and practices are implemented at the event venue is up to each governing body,” BWF said in their official statement.
“BWF is awaiting official reports from Badminton Asia and the Local Organising Committee to assess whether the correct medical procedures were followed in providing assistance to Mr Zhang when he fell on court,” BWF continued.
BWF said it would take necessary steps to thoroughly review the matter in consultation with Badminton Asia and PBSI.
“Once our review is complete, we will determine whether certain aspects of these guidelines need to be changed,” the BWF said. (BBC/P-5)
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