An Indian footballer has died after he attempted a somersault to celebrate his goal. Peter Biaksangzuala landed awkwardly and in doing so damaged his spinal cord severely. His team mates were ready to jump on him when they realised how seriously he was hurt and urged medics to rush onto the field.
The 23 year old played in the Mizoram Premier league for a club named Bethlehem Vengthlang FC who is situated in the north east of India. Chanmari West FC was the opposition whom the defensive midfielder sustained his fatal injuries against and the match was not only being watched live by thousands of fans in the stadium, but it was also being televised around the world and there is footage of the shocking incident on YouTube.
He was hurried to the Aizawl Civil Hospital in the state’s capital and despite doctors trying their level best to keep him alive, after numerous surgeries to repair his damaged spinal cord they eventually pronounced him dead. However it is reported by hospital staff that the promising youngster agreed to donate his eyes before he died.
The Mizoram premier league later released a statement on their Facebook page stating their shock, “It has been a sad day for Mizoram football and the demise of the footballer shook his team-mates, footballers and fans alike all over Mizoram. Peter was a defensive midfielder who had always been aggressive and hardworking, a true team player.”
Lalnghinglova Hmar, secretary of the Mizoram Football Association said: “The association will hold a condolence meeting and possibly a match in his memory.” In honour of Biaksangzuala, his club Bethlehem Vengthlang FC will retire his No. 21 jersey.
