Oct 21: An Indian footballer has died in hospital days after injuring his spine attempting to celebrate a goal with a somersault.
Peter Biaksangzuala had been in intensive care in the north-east Indian state of Mizoram after fatally injuring himself during a match between Bethlehem Vengthlang, his team, and Chanmari West on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old scored in the 62nd minute of the match, attempting a somersault in celebration; however, the midfielder tragically landed awkwardly on his neck.
Team-mates immediately rushed to his side, knowing something was wrong, signalling for training staff to help him.
Biaksangzuala was then rushed to a nearby hospital, Aizawl Civil Hospital, where a CT scan is reported to have damaged his spinal cord. He was then moved to an intensive care unit but did not recover.
His last rites were performed at Khawzawl, Biaksangzuala's home town, 120 miles from Mizoram state capital Aizwal.
"Peter was a very talented player who dreamt of playing in the national league," said Lalnghinglova Hmar, the Mizoram Football Association’s (MFA) secretary.
"His death has come as a big shock to all of us. We all thought he would recover."
Hmar said the league was planning to hold a charity match in Mr Biaksangzuala's memory. Bethlehem Vengthlang also announced they would retire his shirt number, 21.
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