KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will thoroughly review its policies and procedures handling emergencies during matches following the tragic death of Chinese shuttler Zhang Zhijie.
Zhijie suddenly collapsed during his match against Japan's Kazuma Kawano at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta on Sunday night.
The up-and-coming shuttler received treatment at the venue and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, but died later that night after repeated efforts to resuscitate him failed.
BWF in a statement said Zhijie's death was tragic, and all necessary steps to thoroughly review this matter in consultation with Badminton Asia and Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) are being taken.
"BWF is waiting for an official report from Badminton Asia and the local organising committee to assess whether the correct medical procedures were followed during the incident," read BWF's statement.
"According to the guidelines, the tournament doctor, under the direction of the referee, has the responsibility to respond to the emergencies on court, including suspected cardiac arrest and in this scenario to provide intervention until proper medical services are available (e.g. ambulance)."
"When implementing these guidelines, it is reinforced that all personnel need to be ready at all times to respond to all required medical interventions, including emergencies as soon as possible."
"Following the completion of our review, we will determine whether specific aspects of the guidelines need to be changed."
"An existing review, initiated earlier this year, evaluating the BWF policies and procedures regarding emergency intervention by tournament doctors to ensure the most appropriate and timely care, will include the findings from BWF's assessment and the Badminton Asia report.
BWF added that the Badminton Asia Junior Championships are under the jurisdiction of Badminton Asia,.
"BWF does have an overall set of medical guidelines and instructions that are available for use by other governing bodies (regional or national) hosting BWF-sanctioned tournaments.
"However, it is up to each governing body as to how it implements these medical protocols and practices onsite at events.