KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian contingent is gravely concerned about the recent tragedy involving Chinese shuttler Zhang Zhijie in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, during the ongoing Badminton Asian Junior Championships
Following this, Malaysia’s medical team, led by the National Sports Institute (NSI), is tasked with ensuring the provision of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) while accompanying the Malaysian contingent to the Paris Olympics, commencing July 26.
Deputy chef de mission Datuk Nicol David expressed dismay over the tragedy, where young Chinese player Zhang tragically passed away while competing against a Japanese player during the third group match.
Concerns were raised about the delay in medical assistance for the 17-year-old, who collapsed and began convulsing mid-court.
Medical staff attended to Zhang about 40 seconds after he collapsed and transported him to an ambulance within two minutes. However, he was pronounced dead at 11.20pm local time at the hospital.
“It’s shocking to see what happened. It’s very unfortunate that a 17-year-old experienced that without real assistance in place.
“We have our NSI team always available – but at the Games, there will be a full medical team and ambulances in place. That is the standard the Olympics must offer.
“There is no way athletes in such situations won’t be assisted immediately. We will have our team there to support.
“On the ground, they will have AEDs because it’s the Olympic Games, and they are required to. Our assurance has been secured.
“In terms of every other tournament, I’m sure NSI is fully equipped with them,” said Nicol after attending the national badminton squad’s simulation match at Akademi Badminton Malaysia, Bukit Kiara today.
According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) guidelines, the tournament doctor, under the direction of the referee, is responsible for responding to emergencies on the court – including suspected cardiac arrest – and providing intervention until proper medical services such as an ambulance are available.
BWF has reinforced the need for all personnel to be ready to respond promptly to medical emergencies.
In May, NSI CEO Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli announced that comprehensive heart screening had been conducted on Olympic-bound athletes.
Based on their findings, all athletes were found to be free from any heart issues – including national track cycling champion Datuk Azizulhasni Awang who underwent heart surgery in 2022.
A total of 21 medical officials from NSI, led by Dr Jasmiza Khuzairi, will be assigned to monitor the fitness and health of all national athletes competing in Paris. – July 3, 2024.