18-year-old budding footballer dies while playing

Kolkata: In a tragic incident, an 18-year-old collided with one of his mates while playing football and succumbed to his injuries at Nischitapur village under Kalna police station area in East Burdwan on Sunday evening. According to sources, the deceased, Ripon Mali (18), was taking part in a football competition and was the goalkeeper of the team.

The spectators were enjoying the performance of Ripon who made some spectacular saves thereby preventing his opponent team from scoring goals.

Suddenly, in an attempt to save a ball, he collided with a fellow player and fell down on the ground losing his balance. The spectators, fellow players and the referee thought that the youngster will soon get up. However, he didn't.

The tournament was stopped immediately and the senseless youth was rushed to Madhupur Health Centre.

He was referred to Kalna Mahakuma Hospital with the doctors being unable to understand the reason behind his unconscious.

The Kalna Hospital started immediate treatment but he did not respond. He was declared dead by the attending doctors at the hospital.

"This type of collisions in football is nothing unusual as soccer is a game in which body contact is quite common. But, we are amazed that he did not respond to treatment," a doctor said adding that autopsy will ascertain the cause of death.

The entire Nischintapur village has been struck by remorse at the youth's sudden demise.

He had recently left his studies for his love for football. His father Tapan Mali, who is a farmer, wanted his son to continue his studies.

Ripon took part in football tournaments in the area and was popular for his goal keeping skills.

The incident on Sunday brought back memories of a similar tragedy at village in Khandaghosh in East Burdwan in the month of May when a cricketer died after he bumped into one of his friends while taking a catch on the cricket field.