Chinese junior player Zhang dies during event in Indonesia
Yogyakarta: Badminton Asia and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their condolences on Monday following the tragic death of 17-year-old Chinese badminton player Zhang Zhijie. Zhang collapsed on the court during a match against Japan at the Asian Junior Championships held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The incident occurred when Zhang suddenly fell during the match, prompting immediate action from the tournament’s medical team. He was swiftly transported to a hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead at 11:20 PM, according to a joint statement by Indonesia's Badminton Association (PBSI) and Badminton Asia.
"Badminton Asia, PBSI, and the organizing committee are immensely saddened and express their deepest condolences to Zhang's parents, family, and the Chinese Badminton Association," the statement read.
The Indonesian National Olympic Committee also extended their deepest sympathies to Zhang’s family and the Chinese Badminton Association.
Following the incident, China's badminton association communicated concerns regarding the timeliness of the medical response with their Indonesian counterparts. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the situation in a news conference in Beijing, stating, "After learning about the incident, the Chinese Consulate General in Surabaya immediately coordinated with the Indonesian side for full rescue efforts and sent personnel to the site."
"We express our deep regret and condolences for the unfortunate death," Mao added.
The Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) released a statement mourning Zhang, describing him as a passionate player and an outstanding athlete of the National Youth Badminton Team. "At present, the local hospital has not clarified the cause of Zhang's demise," the CBA noted, adding that the Badminton Federation of Asia, the organizing committee, and Indonesian authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
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BJP MLA caught by Lokayukta while accepting Rs 5 lakh bribe
Gadag (Karnataka) (PTI): Lokayukta police on Saturday said they caught BJP MLA Chandru Lamani allegedly accepting a Rs 5 lakh bribe.
The trap was laid by the Gadag Lokayukta police based on a complaint filed by a contractor.
“Today, a successful trap was laid by the Gadag Lokayukta police station. The accused public servant was caught while accepting Rs 5 lakh,” officials said, adding case has been registered under Section 7(a) read with 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The complainant, Vijay Pujar, is a Class-I contractor from Chinchali in this district.
Lokayukta officials said the alleged bribe demand was linked to works under the Minor Irrigation Department, including the construction of retaining walls along a road.
“The accused had demanded Rs 11 lakh from the complainant to execute the work. During the trap, Rs 5 lakh was accepted,” officials said.
Along with the MLA, who represents the Shirahatti Assembly constituency, his personal assistants — Manjunath Valmiki and Guru Naik — have also been secured in connection with the case.
“Accused 1, 2 and 3 have been secured, and the investigation is in progress,” the Lokayukta said in a statement.
Reacting to the incident, in a sarcastic remark, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, “BJP leaders are very honest. They are corruption-free in this country. The Lokayukta might have received some wrong information.”
He added, “Let us see what the Lokayukta says. I will react after that.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said he was not aware of the details and that his party does not tolerate bribery, adding that he would comment after gathering full information, while state BJP president B Y Vijayendra said he “would respond after ascertaining the facts.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Lamani condemned the Lokayukta action, alleging that the Congress government was behind the “conspiracy”.
They also raised slogans against the Congress government.
