Yardan Akhsani Taqwa, a forward for Sleman Timur FA, died on Nov. 11 after being hospitalized following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a Junior Premier League U-14 match with Kepek Raya FC at Maguwoharjo Football Park in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on Oct. 31. Sleman Timur won 3-1.
According to Sleman Timur FA president Pramusetyo, Yardan was running toward the goal to reach the ball when the opposing goalkeeper rushed forward to intercept him. The goalkeeper’s knee struck the boy in the upper abdomen, causing him to collapse.
Pramusetyo described the collision as an accidental reflex by the goalkeeper rather than a deliberate challenge, according to Indonesian outlet detikYoga.
“That was a reflex action by the goalkeeper during the match. In my view, he was simply making the necessary move to defend his goal,” Pramusetyo told Indonesian media on Nov. 12.
The collision leading to the death of Yardan Akhsani Taqwa.
The goalkeeper later approached Sleman Timur’s coaching staff to apologize and was reportedly distressed by the incident. The two players knew each other and had previously played on the same team.
Yardan initially remained conscious and received first aid near the substitutes’ bench. However, as his face turned pale, the coaching staff decided to take him to hospital.
The club said the match organizers had not provided medical personnel, equipment, a stretcher or an ambulance. The team therefore transported Yardan to Hermina Hospital in its own vehicle, Pramusetyo said, as cited by Yogyakarta Radar.
Doctors at Hermina detected an abnormality in his internal organs but could not immediately determine the extent of the injury. He was subsequently transferred to Dr. Sardjito Central Hospital in Yogyakarta, where doctors diagnosed a liver hemorrhage.
Yardan underwent intensive treatment and three operations over 11 days, but his condition did not improve.
During his hospitalization, he required more than 70 units of blood, with at least 10 units needed daily, according to Pramusetyo, Bola.com reported. The club president praised the volunteers who donated blood to support the boy’s treatment.
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Yardan Akhsani Taqwa in a photo posted by his club Sleman Timur FA on Facebook to pay tribute to him. |
Yardan was a student at SMP Negeri 3 Sleman and was known for his dedication to football. Although he lived in Mlati and had to travel to the Deluwong field in Wedomartani for training, he rarely missed sessions.
Pramusetyo described him as disciplined, hardworking and attentive to his coaches’ instructions. Yardan was buried near his home in Mlati, Sleman, on Nov. 12.
The incident has raised concerns about emergency medical provisions at grassroots football competitions. Pramusetyo said tournaments involving physical contact should have medical personnel and essential equipment, including oxygen, stretchers and ambulances, available at the venue.