A young boy has died in Taiwan after being thrown to the mat 27 times by his coach during a judo class.
It's understood the child, known only by his surname Huang, pleaded with the instructor to stop the demonstration as he vomited during the class.
His instructor, Ho, repeatedly told him to get to his feet and go again.
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The boy became unresponsive and was rushed to hospital where he was placed in a medically-induced coma.
When the boy was taken to Feng Yuan Hospital, doctors said his injuries were similar to those sustained in a road accident. He was suffering from severe intracranial haemorrhages and physicians performed an emergency craniotomy.
Doctors said the boy would probably remain in a vegetative state for the rest of his life if he survived. However, they only gave him a slim chance of making it through.
With his heart rate and blood pressure continuing to decline, doctors had no other option but to take the boy off life support after being in the coma since April 21. He was just seven years old.
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Speaking on behalf of the boy's mother, Taipei City councillor Chen Ching-lung thanked residents for their support and said the family would press ahead with the funeral arrangements before making any further statements.
"I still remember that morning when I took him to school," his mother added to the BBC. "He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this."
Multiple reports suggest the young kid was very new to the sport and only started taking judo classes two weeks prior to the tragic incident.
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The boy's uncle took him to his first classes after he expressed an interest in the sport.
The coach has now been slapped with multiple charges relating to causing bodily harm as well as abuse to children.
Ho was reportedly an unlicensed judo instructor and now faces life behind bars for his actions, although it's understood he's currently free on bail as authorities continue their investigation into the matter.
His charge was expected to be changed to 'injury causing death'.
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The authorities have also charged the instructor for violating the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act, which could lead to further penalties.
Featured Image Credit: Asiawire