Indian Soccer Player Dies in Celebration

An Indian soccer player lost his life earlier this week after suffering injuries from a celebration flip after a goal.

Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala, a defensive-minded player known more for keeping balls out of his net than kicking them into the opposition’s, performed a cartwheel followed by a backflip gone wrong after scoring a goal last week. His teammates found him unresponsive when they attempted to join the celebration. The 23-year-old received treatment for five days before succumbing to his injuries.

The player agreed to donate his eyes to a blind person and inscribed this Biblical verse–“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His”–shortly before his death.

“I wanted my son to serve God since the day he was born,” the player’s father reflected. “His interest in football was undeniable so I allowed him to pursue his career in the sport that he loved. I feel he did a fine job and through football he somehow managed to speak to the heart of the people concerned. He maintained his discipline and stayed away from all the bad habits as far as I’m concerned and he set a good example for sportsmen which is important.”

Bethlehem Vengthlang FC retired Biaksangzuala’s “23” jersey in memory of the fallen player.