BWF secretary-general reveals urgent need for safer badminton courts
- The BWF has made significant changes to its emergency protocols in response to the death of a junior player during a competition in Indonesia.
- Medical staff now can act independently to assist players during emergencies without waiting for referees' direction.
- Thomas Lund emphasized the BWF's commitment to player safety and the importance of allowing injured athletes to withdraw from competitions without penalty.
In December 2024, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) acknowledged significant issues regarding player health and safety on the badminton courts. This recognition was partly driven by the tragic death of Chinese junior player Zhang Zhijie, which occurred during a competition in Indonesia earlier this year. Following this incident, the BWF took serious steps to evaluate and overhaul its Medical Emergency Intervention Protocols. Now, medical personnel have been granted authority to provide immediate assistance without needing the referee's directive, specifically during cases such as cardiac arrest or concussions presenting with blackout symptoms. As part of enhanced safety measures at events like the World Tour Finals held in Hangzhou, the BWF has equipped courts with essential medical equipment, including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The organization also released a statement expressing condolences to Zhang’s family, teammates, and the broader badminton community in China, underscoring its commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future. During his interview with Global Times, Lund stressed that the BWF is devoted to ensuring that athletes' well-being is prioritized. Additionally, Thomas Lund highlighted that participation in tournaments must be voluntary and that injured players would face no penalties for not competing. He pointed out that the organization would exempt athletes from competitions like the World Tour Finals if they are unable to play due to serious injuries. This demonstrates a shift towards a more player-centric approach, acknowledging the physical limitations of athletes. Finally, Lund discussed China's important role in the badminton world, citing its impressive Olympic track record of 22 gold medals since badminton was introduced to the Olympics in 1992. He noted that China’s enthusiastic fan base and support for badminton from grassroots to elite levels position the country as an indispensable partner for the BWF. The federation intends to continue fostering this relationship while also pursuing initiatives to modernize the game and attract younger audiences, indicating a forward-looking vision for the future of badminton.