Sports events often provide thrilling moments, but they can also take an unexpected turn, leading to unforeseen incidents. In a shocking turn of events at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, an athletics official found himself in harm’s way during the men’s hammer final.
The Incident
The Asian Games in Hangzhou witnessed a moment of distress when Kuwait’s Ali Zankawi prepared for one of his throws in the men’s hammer final. However, instead of soaring straight onto the outfield, the hammer took an unexpected trajectory, flying out sideways and low to the right. Tragically, it struck a sitting technical official, resulting in a broken leg and serious bleeding.
Swift Action
Ali Zankawi, visibly horrified by the accident, rushed to the injured official’s aid. Blood was spurting from the official’s right leg, and the situation was critical. In a display of bravery, Zankawi used his immense strength to improvise a tourniquet on Huang Qinhua’s thigh, successfully halting the bleeding. Medical personnel swiftly transported Huang to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with a right open tibiofibular fracture.
Current Condition
According to Games spokesman Xu Deqing, Huang Qinhua’s vital signs are stable at the moment. Despite the severity of the injury, the quick response from Zankawi and the medical team played a crucial role in ensuring his well-being.
Understanding the Dynamics
Hammer Throw in Athletics
In athletics, the hammer throw is a captivating event that involves athletes spinning and taking throws within a designated throwing circle. The hammer used in this event weighs 7.26 kilograms, and its flight path is unpredictable, making it essential for officials and spectators to maintain a safe distance.
Safety Measures in Athletics
To protect officials and spectators, athletic events feature cage-like netting that surrounds the throwing circle. While this netting is designed to hang relatively loosely to prevent hammer balls and discuses from bouncing back at the athletes, it can only provide limited protection against the sheer power and velocity of the hammer.
Social Media Response
The incident quickly gained attention on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where users expressed concerns about the safety protocols in place during athletic events. Many called for improved measures to offer better protection for officials and ensure the safety of everyone involved in these high-intensity competitions.
How painful it is. 😖😖
— Qins (@HuangheHangshan) October 1, 2023
On Sep 30th, an accident occurred during the men's hammer throw competition at the Hangzhou #AsianGames. A Kuwaiti player made a mistake while throwing the hammer, which hit a referee's leg. The referee was subsequently rushed to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/N2vd8oN3Vt