Peter Biaksangzuala: Indian player dies after goal celebration

Tributes are paid to Peter Biaksangzuala
Tributes are paid to Peter Biaksangzuala

Indian footballer Peter Biaksangzuala has died from the injuries he suffered as he landed awkwardly while celebrating a goal.

The 23-year-old damaged his spinal cord doing a somersault after scoring an equaliser for Bethlehem Vengthlang FC against Chanmari West FC.

Biaksangzuala was taken to hospital and had surgery, but passed away.

The match in which he sustained his injuries was a state level game in the Mizoram Premier League.

A statement on the Mizoram Premier League's official Facebook pageexternal-link read: "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.

"Peter's club Bethlehem Vengthlang FC will retire his jersey no. 21."

Bethlehem Vengthlang FC is a club based in the north-east of India.