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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People should not be judged by caste, wealth or language: Mohan Bhagwat
Raipur (PTI): RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said people should not be judged by caste, wealth or language, adding that the country belongs to everyone.
“The first step towards harmony is removing feelings of separation and discrimination from one’s mind and treating everyone as one’s own,” Bhagwat said, addressing the Hindu Sammelan at Sonpairi village in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district.
“The entire country belongs to everyone and this spirit is true social harmony,” Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat stressed the need to revive family interactions, saying families should spend at least one day a week together, engage in prayers according to their faith, eat home-cooked food together and hold meaningful discussions, Bhagwat said, calling the discussions ‘mangal samvad’.
“People often fall into bad habits when they feel lonely. Regular interaction and dialogue within families can help prevent this,” the RSS chief said.
Bhagwat called for social harmony, environmental responsibility and disciplined civic life, urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively for society and the nation.
The RSS chief said the first step towards social harmony is removing feelings of separation and discrimination.
He said temples, water bodies and cremation grounds should be open to all Hindus, describing social work as an effort of unity, not conflict.
“Do not judge people by caste, wealth, language or region. Treat everyone as your own. The entire India is mine,” he said, describing this approach as samajik samrasta (social harmony).
Public facilities and religious spaces should be open to all, he said, calling it a work of unity rather than conflict.
On the issue of addiction, Bhagwat said loneliness often pushes people towards addiction.
He underlined the concept of ‘kutumb prabodhan’, stating that individuals must reflect on how much time and resources they devote daily to society and the nation.
“If the country is in danger, families are also in danger,” he said, calling for values to be practised at home and in daily life.
Expressing concern over global warming and environmental degradation, Bhagwat urged people to begin conservation efforts from their homes by saving water, adopting rainwater harvesting, reducing single-use plastic and planting more trees.
He also advocated the use of one’s mother tongue at home, respect for Indian attire and promotion of swadeshi and self-reliance by buying locally made products, except where imports such as medicines are unavoidable.
Bhagwat called for strict adherence to the Constitution, laws and civic discipline.
He said the Constitution’s preamble, fundamental duties and citizens’ responsibilities should be read and followed regularly, along with traditional social values like respecting elders and helping the needy.
The work of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, that began from a small 'shakha' in Nagpur, has now spread everywhere, Bhagwat said.
