On July 1, 2024, a shocking news came: Zhang Zhijie, a 17-year-old player of the national youth badminton team, suddenly fainted during a competition in Indonesia, and unfortunately passed away after rescue efforts failed. This talented teenager from Jiaxing, Zhejiang, was on the rise in his badminton career, but he came to an abrupt end on the court. The staff of his alma mater, Jiaxing Junior Sports School, said sadly: "He was at the time of his results, but he didn't expect a sudden accident, which is a pity." ”
At the 2024 Dutch Youth Badminton International Grand Prix, Zhang Zhijie (second from right) won the men's singles gold medal
Zhang Zhijie's badminton journey began in kindergarten, and after the training of Jiaxing Junior Sports School, he was sent to the Zhejiang Provincial Team in the third grade of primary school. This growth trajectory reflects the operation mode of China's youth sports talent training system. From the local to the provincial team to the national team, every step embodies the hard work of coaches, parents and athletes themselves. This seemingly bright path also hides the potential risks that come with high-intensity training and competition.
At the end of 2016, Zhang Zhijie was selected into the list of key sports reserve talents in Zhejiang Province, which was an important milestone in his career. In the years that followed, he made his mark in various junior competitions. In 2022, he won the men's singles championship in the 15-year-old group of the U15-17 finals of the national U-series badminton competition. In 2023, he won the men's singles championship in Group B of the National Youth Badminton Championships and the men's singles championship of the World Youth Badminton Championships. These accolades are a testament to his outstanding talent and hard work.
On the evening of June 30, 2024, Zhang Zhijie, who was participating in a match in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, suddenly fainted on the field. Despite the best efforts of the medical department of the tournament organizing committee and local hospitals, the young player's life could not be saved in the end. This sudden incident not only makes people lament the departure of a promising athlete, but also triggers people's deep thinking about the health management of young athletes.
The Chinese Badminton Association is deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of Zhang Zhijie and expresses its deepest condolences and condolences to his family. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Chinese Consulate General in Surabaya has immediately contacted and coordinated the Indonesian side to make all-out efforts to treat the situation, and sent personnel to the site of the incident to carry out work. This kind of cross-international emergency assistance reflects the country's care and protection for athletes.
Zhang Zhijie's story is a microcosm of the development of China's sports industry. It not only shows the achievements of the cultivation of youth sports talents in the mainland, but also exposes the potential problems that exist in it. In the future, we need to find a better balance between sports competition and athlete protection, so that every young athlete with dreams can pursue their goals in a healthy and happy way.
As Zhang Zhijie's alma mater said: "He is the time to make achievements." "Yes, he should have had more time to prove himself and achieve his dreams. But the fragility of life reminds us that while achievements are important, life and health are more precious. May the deceased rest in peace, may the living cherish, and may this lesson bring profound reflection and progress to the development of China's sports industry.