Tragedy struck the Cana-Benaulim Inter-Village Football Tournament, organised by Cana Benaulim Sporting Club at the John de Baptist Dando Ground on Tuesday, when 26-year-old footballer Dylan Carvalho of United Club of Ambaulim collapsed on the field and later died.
Carvalho had come on as a substitute during United Club of Ambaulim's match against Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem. Having been on the field for barely three minutes, he collapsed moments after attempting to head the ball, without making contact with it.
Players and officials immediately rushed to his aid, administering CPR on the field before he was stretchered off. He was then taken to the South Goa District Hospital, Margao, in a 108 ambulance but was declared dead on arrival.
Eyewitnesses alleged that there was no ambulance stationed at the venue when the incident occurred, unlike I-League and Indian Super League matches where medical personnel and an ambulance are mandatory.
"He had just come on and within minutes he suddenly collapsed. CPR was administered immediately and we called for the stretcher before he was taken to hospital," said an eyewitness.
The incident left players, officials and spectators in shock, with many questioning the adequacy of emergency medical arrangements at local football tournaments.
Meanwhile, Goa Football Association Senior Vice-President Anthony Pango visited the South Goa District Hospital after learning of Carvalho's death and met the bereaved family. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Condolences poured in from across the football fraternity following Carvalho's untimely death. Valanka Alemao, Chairperson of the AIFF Women's Football Committee and a member of the FIFA Women's Football Committee, expressed her grief, saying, "Heartbreaking and devastating to hear about the tragic loss of such a young and promising footballer. May his soul rest in peace. May God give his family strength and courage during this most painful time. Keeping them in my prayers and thoughts."
Veteran coach and Dronacharya Award recipient Armando Colaco also mourned the loss. "Very sad news... a young promising player lost his life. May Dylan's soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and his teammates," he said.
