Player collapses on pitch

An unfortunate occurrence annually at the local football league here is either a player collapsing or teams and referees getting into tiffs.

The familiar scenario was on view again as Young Challengers FC's Ayush Panchamiya collapsed on the pitch as his side took on Parikrma FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium in BDFA's 'A' Division League on Tuesday.

As the striker tried to win an aerial duel, he lost his footing, landed on his head and was unconscious for a while.

The physiotherapist tended to the 19-year-old immediately and after administering first aid, he was rushed to Philomena's Hospital. Luckily, for the student of St Joseph's College of Commerce, CT scan results revealed no damage and he was discharged in a couple of hours.

"I remember going for the ball and then was nudged from behind by an opponent player. As I landed, I lost my footing and my head hit the pitch. I was dazed for a bit but felt better before reaching the hospital," said the footballer at the hospital.

Sapeksh Dongre, the physio who was at hand to deal with the situation, said: "He went for a challenge and collapsed after hitting his head on the ground. It was an issue of tachycardia (rapid heart rate). I administered first-aid and he was then taken to the hospital in an ambulance," he added.

No doctor was present at the venue.