Former Second Division footballer Tran Thanh Truong, who was struck by lightning while playing a match in 2008 and has become partially paralyzed, will get a compensation of just VND69 million (US$3,450), authorities announced yesterday.

The 29-year-old has been paid $2,000 by the Kien Giang Province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the remaining $1,450 will be paid by the football association, the Department’s vice director Vo Dong Lap said Wednesday.

However, Truong did not get his salary for the period left in his contract or insurance after the accident that took place in May 2008 when his team, Nguyen Hoang Kien Giang, were playing Vinh Long.

After being hit by a bolt, he became unconscious and his heart stopped briefly. Doctors diagnosed him with brain damage and partial paralysis and loss of speech.

Circular 34/2007 stipulates that the government should cover treatment costs through social and medical insurance if a sportsperson is injured during training or competition.

Besides, the victim should also be paid full salary during the period of treatment.

His labor contract with Nguyen Hoang Kien Giang had five months to run after the accident but he did not get his wages.

His mother had to feed him for almost two years until he got better but he continues to live off his family’s savings and donations from colleagues and sponsors.

Now, he can walk by himself but has almost lost his memory that he is again learning from text books meant for six-year-old children.

Du Thien Chuong of Vinh Long FC was also injured in the lightning strike but he has fully recovered.

Source: Tuoi Tre