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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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
