• Date:
  • Category: Sport

Based on multiple Chinese media reports, here is an introduction to the situation involving Zhang Jun, President of the Chinese Badminton Association.

Summary of the Case

Zhang Jun, the 48-year-old President of the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has reportedly been placed under investigation by China's disciplinary authorities and has been out of public contact for over ten days . The investigation was first brought to light by a report from the Economic Observer on April 24, 2026 .

Key Details of the Investigation

Multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed the investigation to the Economic Observer. Here is what has been reported:

  • Scope of the Investigation: The matters under scrutiny are reportedly linked to Zhang's tenure at the Chinese Badminton Association, with some issues also connected to his work in Jiangsu province .
  • Current Status of Contact: Since the investigation began, attempts to reach Zhang have been unsuccessful. A reporter repeatedly called his mobile phone over several days, but it remained switched off. His close relatives have reportedly reached out to the Jiangsu Provincial Sports Bureau for information regarding his situation .
  • Institutional Response: Both the Chinese Badminton Association and the Nanjing Sport Institute, where Zhang serves as vice president, have responded to media inquiries by saying they are "not aware of the situation" .

Zhang Jun's Prominent Career

The investigation marks a dramatic turn for a celebrated figure in Chinese sports .

  • Athletic Achievements: Zhang is one of China's most famous badminton players. He won the Olympic gold medal in mixed doubles with his partner Gao Ling at both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Games. They made history as the first pair to successfully defend an Olympic title in mixed doubles .
  • Leadership Roles: After retiring in 2007, he transitioned into coaching and sports administration. He was elected president of the Chinese Badminton Association in January 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in August 2023. In 2023, he also took on the role of vice president at the Nanjing Sport Institute, where he was responsible for assisting with training and competition .

His unexpected absence was further highlighted as he did not travel with the Chinese national team to the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Denmark, where the group stage began this Friday .

The situation remains developing, and no formal public notice, charges, or official disciplinary findings have been issued by the authorities as of this date .