Tragic death of Chinese badminton player prompts BWF rule change: Doctors can now enter court in emergencies

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council recently convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to revise several competition rules, with a significant change regarding medical emergencies. According to the new regulations, in cases of suspected cardiac arrest, concussion, or fainting, medical personnel are now allowed to enter the court immediately without waiting for the referee's permission to provide urgent care.

In addition, the BWF encourages all member organizations to conduct regular health monitoring of athletes in order to prevent potential injuries or illnesses.

This rule change stems from a tragic incident during the 2024 Asia Junior Championships in Indonesia on July 1. 17-year-old Chinese player Zhang Zhijie collapsed during a match and later died despite being rushed to the hospital. At the time, there was criticism that the on-site medical team was delayed in entering the court, significantly lowering the chances of successful resuscitation.

Before the rule change, medical teams were not allowed to enter the court without the referee's permission. According to reports, after Zhang collapsed, the Chinese team coach rushed onto the court but was stopped by the referee, who insisted on waiting for the official medical team to arrive.

The BWF's new rule aims to ensure faster medical intervention in the event of emergencies, potentially saving lives in future competitions.

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