Yet again bringing into stark focus the lack of medical facilities on India's soccer grounds, a footballer died following an on-field injury after he was moved from one health care facility to another in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.
Mahesh Thapa, 24, the son of a retired police officer and a popular player of the district, collapsed Sunday after a collision with the rival goalkeeper in a floodlit match at Netaji Vidyapith Ground on outskirts of Jalpaiguri town.
Thapa, who turned out for Raikatpara Sports Association, was shifted to the Japaiguri district hospital on a two-wheeler as there was no ambulance on the ground, locals said.
But as there was no bed available in the Intensive Coronary Unit, he was carried to a private nursing home, but was refused admission on the ground of lack of vacant beds.
Thapa was taken to another hospital where doctors declared him dead.
In 2004, Dempo Sports Club's Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior died on the following a collision with Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul in the Federation cup final at Bangalore, seconds after netting his second goal.