Indian footballer dies from fall after back-flip goal celebration

ESPN staff
Oct 20, 2014, 05:32 AM ET
An amateur footballer in India died on Oct. 19 from injuries sustained performing a back-flip while celebrating a goal he scored during a match five days earlier.

Peter Biaksangzuala, a defensive midfielder for Bethlehem Vengthlang FC -- which plays in the Mizoram Premier League (MPL), the elite amateur league of the small North Eastern Indian province of Mizoram -- was 23 years old.

In the 62nd minute of the MPL game against Chanmari West FC, Biaksangzuala scored a header and leapt into a series of celebratory back-flips. However, he landed badly and was immediately surrounded by concerned teammates and officials.

Biaksangzuala was rushed to a nearby hospital, wherein a CT scan revealed that he had damaged his spinal cord. He was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was pronounced dead on Sunday.

Post by Mizoram Premier League.

The Mizoram Premier League's announced the news via a lengthy statement on its official Facebook page.

"Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala lost his fight for survival after he suffered a fatal injury while celebrating his goal, the statement read.

"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.

"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."

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."