Mahesh Thapa (27) striker of Torolpara Club accidentally collided with the goalkeeper of Bhanunagar Club at the Torolpara football ground, Bhola Mondal, General Secretary, District Sports Association said today.
He said Thapa who had surged ahead with the ball, came in contact with the rival goalkeeper intent on saving the goal. Thapa was hit in the chest by the goalkeeper's knee and fell down.
Thapa was rushed to Jalpaiguri Sadar Hospital as his condition turned serious. Due to lack of space in the Intensive Care Unit, he had to be rushed to a private nursing home but died on the way, sources said.
The body was sent for postmortem, police said.
The District Sports Association paid tribute to the footballer at a memorial service organised by them.
