Football player survives head injury scare

Ayush Panchamiya, a striker for Young Challengers, landed hard on his head after going into a challenge during his team's clash with Parikrma FC at the Football Stadium.

Play was stopped as the 19-year-old momentarily lost consciousness. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and after undergoing a CT scan, Ayush was declared out of danger.

There was a minor scare during a BDFA 'A' division football league game here on Tuesday after a player collapsed on the field. Ayush Panchamiya, a striker for Young Challengers, landed hard on his head after going into a challenge during his team's clash with Parikrma FC at the Football Stadium. Play was stopped as the 19-year-old momentarily lost consciousness while anxious team-mates surrounded him. He eventually came to and was rushed to a nearby hospital. After undergoing a CT scan, Ayush was declared out of danger.

"It was an issue of tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and sunstroke, even though it is not hot right now," said Sapeksh Dongre, the team's physiotherapist. "I administered first-aid and gave him Levipil since he was having fits. This tablet is used to treat seizures and brings down the heart rate."

R. Gopal, head coach of Young Challengers and a qualified pharmacist, said he did not panic when he saw the player having seizures. "This is astro-turf and the surface is hard," he pointed out. "So when he fell, he might have hurt his head. When I realised it was a fit, I did not panic."

After a brief stay in hospital, Ayush returned to the Football Stadium. The 19-year-old, a B.Com student at St. Joseph's College of Commerce, was shaken but seemed fine. "I went for a header and landed on my head. I blacked out for a while. All I remember is my captain (Nirmal) saying it's going to be all right and that I will be fine. I still feel a bit dazed. But I guess I can continue playing after a day's rest. I hope to be back on the field soon," he said.