Yogyakarta: On July 2nd, the Chinese youth team triumphed over South Korea with a 3-1 victory in the 2024 Badminton Asia Junior Championships Mixed Team final, reclaiming the team title after six years.
The victory was bittersweet due to the passing of young and talented player Zhang Zhijie, who collapsed on the court during a match against Japan on June 30th and was later pronounced dead that night.
During the award ceremony, the team honored Zhang by bringing his jersey onto the podium. According to the tournament rules, Zhang, who had participated earlier, was recognized as part of the championship team.
China’s Tokyo Olympic women’s singles champion Chen Yufei also expressed her sadness on social media, saying, “We are together, and you are the champion.”
In the final, the Chinese team left an empty seat for Zhang by placing his jersey on the chair, symbolizing that he was fighting alongside them for the championship.
Results of the mixed team final:
Men’s Doubles: Hu Keyuan/Lin Xiangyi defeated Lee Hyeongwoo/Lee Jongmin 21-14, 21-19.
Women’s Singles: Xu Wenjing lost to Kim Min Sun 7-21, 21-19, 14-21.
Men’s Singles: Wang Zijun defeated Lee Seungjin 21-13, 21-8.
Women’s Doubles: Chen Fanshutian/Liu Jiayue defeated Kim Minji/Yeon Seoyeon 21-16, 22-20.
