Taiwan Basketball Executive 'Blackie' Chen in ICU After Emergency Heart Surgery
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chen Chien-chou, widely known as "Blackie" and currently serving as Vice President of Taiwan's professional basketball league P. LEAGUE+ (PLG), suffered an acute myocardial infarction on September 15 while attending a PLG friendly match. The 49-year-old was immediately rushed to National Taiwan University Hospital where emergency surgery was performed. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) recovering, with his wife, singer Christine Fan, accompanying him throughout. His manager confirmed the incident and stated that recovery is progressing well.
Key Points
- Chen Chien-chou, 49, collapsed during a P. LEAGUE+ friendly match on September 15 and was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction
- Emergency surgery was performed at National Taiwan University Hospital; he is now in the ICU with his condition described as stable
- His wife Christine Fan rushed to the hospital upon learning the news and remains by his bedside during his recovery
- Chen transitioned from entertainment to basketball administration, co-founding PLG in 2020 and serving as Chairman, CEO, and President before becoming Vice President in 2023
- Prior to the incident, Chen had maintained an active schedule, recently traveling to Cebu, Philippines for the East Asia Super League and swimming with his twin sons the day before
Why It Matters
Chen Chien-chou's sudden health crisis spotlights the intense pressures facing sports executives in Asia, where many balance demanding roles without adequate attention to personal health. His recovery trajectory will be closely monitored by the basketball community, as he remains a pivotal figure in Taiwan's rapidly growing professional basketball scene, which has expanded its regional influence through partnerships like the East Asia Super League .
Chen Chien-chou's sudden health crisis spotlights the intense pressures facing sports executives in Asia, where many balance demanding roles without adequate attention to personal health. His recovery trajectory will be closely monitored by the basketball community, as he remains a pivotal figure in Taiwan's rapidly growing professional basketball scene, which has expanded its regional influence through partnerships like the East Asia Super League .