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Indian player dies from injury in goal celebration

NEW DELHI — The Mizoram Football Association said a 23-year-old Indian soccer player has died after injuring his spine while celebrating a goal with somersaults.

Peter Biaksangzuala, a midfielder for Bethlehem Vengthlang, died after his goal celebration went awry. Photo: Facebook/ Mizoram Premier League

Peter Biaksangzuala, a midfielder for Bethlehem Vengthlang, died after his goal celebration went awry. Photo: Facebook/ Mizoram Premier League

NEW DELHI — The Mizoram Football Association said a 23-year-old Indian soccer player has died after injuring his spine while celebrating a goal with somersaults.

Peter Biaksangzuala landed awkwardly on his back while attempting a series of somersaults last Tuesday (Oct 14) during a state-level league match in the north-eastern state of Mizoram against Chanmari West. Biaksangzuala scored in the 62nd minute. After his celebration went bad, he was stretchered off the field to a local hospital.

He died yesterday after five days in hospital.

A statement on the Mizoram Premier League’s official Facebook page said: “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 number 21,” it added.

Mizoram Football Association general secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar called Biaksangzuala “a very good and disciplined footballer” who hoped to play in the national level I-League.

The football association is planning to organise a match in his memory.

Sources: AP, Press Association, Facebook

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