Soccer This article is more than 9 years old

Indian footballer dies of injuries after celebrating goal with somersaults

This article is more than 9 years old

Peter Biaksangzuala damaged spinal chord after somersaults
Bethlehem Vengthlang will retire jersey No 21 in his honour

A footballer has died of injuries he sustained after landing awkwardly while celebrating a goal during a state-level league match in India, the organisers of the Mizoram Premier League have announced.

Peter Biaksangzuala, a midfielder for Bethlehem Vengthlang – a club based in the north east of the country, damaged his spinal cord after attempting a series of somersaults to celebrate his equaliser in the fixture against Chanmari West last Tuesday.

The 23-year-old was taken to Aizawl Civil Hospital and underwent surgery on his spine, but died of his injuries on Sunday morning.

A statement on the Mizoram Premier League’s official Facebook page read: “Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala lost his fight for survival after he suffered a fatal injury while celebrating his goal.

“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 hard working, a true team player. Like most defensive midfielders, he was excellent at reading the game, breaking up attacks and protecting his defenders.

“Peter’s club Bethlehem Vengthlang FC will retire his jersey no. 21.”

The Bethlehem Vengthlang coach Danny Lalduhawma added: “Peter was a lad with good manner who always maintained his discipline on and off the pitch. I don’t think there are many like him.”

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