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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Shiv temple reopens in Muzaffarnagar after 1992 Ayodhya incident, Muslims shower flowers
Muzaffarnagar (UP) (PTI): A Shiv temple in Ludhawala, a predominantly Muslim locality under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station, was reopened on Monday with a 'havan' and Muslims showering flowers on a procession by Hindus.
The Shiv temple was built in 1971. However, during the communal tensions triggered by the Ayodhya incident in 1992, Hindu families from the locality migrated, taking the temple's idols and 'shivling' with them. Since then, the temple had remained closed.
City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap confirmed that the reopening and associated ceremonies were conducted peacefully.
"All functions in the temple were conducted without any disturbance. The atmosphere was cordial and Hindu activists, led by Swami Yashvir Maharaj, returned in a peaceful manner," Kashyap told PTI.
In a remarkable display of harmony, local Muslims welcomed the procession of Hindu activists by showering flowers on them as they made their way to the temple.
Swami Yashvir Maharaj led the purification ceremony in the temple, which involved performing a 'havan' and other rituals. "This is a significant moment for us. The Shiv temple has been closed for years, but today it has been reopened after proper purification," he remarked.
The swami had announced last week that the temple would reopen on December 23 after a purification ceremony.
The district administration had made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peace in the area. The police patrolled the locality to avoid any untoward incident during the event.
About 200 km away from Muzaffarnagar, excavations are going on in Sambhal after the reopening on December 13 of the Bhasma Shankar Temple, which had been closed for over 46 years.
Last week, an old temple structure was found in Khurja town of this district, sparking demands from right-wing outfits for its renovation.
Uttar Pradesh: In Muzaffarnagar, Swami Yashveer Maharaj conducted a Havan Poojan to purify a 54-year-old Shiva temple that had fallen into ruins. The ceremony was attended by both Hindus and Muslims pic.twitter.com/3ou0nelKgz
— IANS (@ians_india) December 23, 2024
