Mizoram footballer Peter Biaksangzuala has succumbed to injuries he sustained during a match in the Mizoram Premier League (MPL) last week.
The 23-year-old, who played for Bethlehem Vengthlang FC, scored against rivals Chanmari West FC in the 62nd minute of a league match on Tuesday, and landed awkwardly during his goal celebrations, injuring his spine.
The midfielder stayed down after the celebration, and his teammates immediately rushed to him, knowing something was wrong, and signalled the team's staff to come to the pitch quickly.
Peter was then rushed to the Aizawl Civil Hospital, where CT scans confirmed his spinal cord had suffered serious injuries. The player then spent five days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), before succumbing to injuries on Sunday morning.
"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 teammates, footballers and fans alike all over Mizoram," read a statement on MPL's official website
"On Sunday at around 7:00am in Aizawl Civil Hospital, Peter was pronounced dead five days after that fateful night. The club and fans paid their last respect for the lad from Khawzawl at Bethlehem Vengthlang YMA Hall."
Sources claim that Peter had hit his head on the ground when he landed, following a somersault celebration - similar to the one carried out regularly by former Germany international Miroslav Klose.
Peter's last rites would be performed at his hometwon Khawzawl. Bethlehem Vengthlang also stated they would retire the midfielder's no.21 shirt as a memorial.
IB Times India offers condolences to the family of Peter, his teammates and the staff at Bethlehem Vengthlang and the club's fans.
Watch from the 2:30 mark to see Peter's fatal goal celebration.
