.jpg "Photo: Tuoi Tre")
Two years after being struck by lightning while playing a Second Division match for Nguyen Hoang Kien Giang Football Club, Thanh Truong remains paralyzed and destitute.
Doctors diagnosed brain damage and Truong cannot use his limbs or speak properly -- his mother has to feed him -- but club and government authorities have been apathetic to his plight.
They have neither helped him get treatment nor paid him an allowance now that his playing career is over and he has no other means of livelihood.
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.
Truong had a contract with Nguyen Hoang Kien Giang until October 31, 2008, and he was injured in May that year, but did not receive his wages once he stopped playing.
The 28-year-old lives off his family’s savings after spending VND182 million (US$9,300) donated by his colleagues, team, and the Vietnam Football Federation for his treatment.
Du Thien Chuong of Vinh Long FC was also injured by the lightning strike but he has fully recovered.
