Assam football legend Gilbertson Sangma died on Saturday, April 4 morning at the age of 71, bringing an end to a remarkable journey that shaped the sport in the state. Widely known as the “Man with the Golden Boot”, Sangma breathed his last at his residence in Guwahati after battling age-related ailments.
A towering figure in Assam football during the 1970s and 80s, Sangma was instrumental in putting the state on the domestic football map at a time when teams from Bengal and Kerala dominated the scene. His consistency, flair and eye for goal made him one of the most admired forwards of his era.
Sangma had been unwell for the past few years and was also suffering from dementia. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with clubs like NorthEast United FC extending condolences, remembering his immense contribution to football in the region.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia also shared a post, honouring Sangma’s legendary career.
WHAT GILBERTSON SANGMA’S CAREER LOOKED LIKE
Sangma’s footballing journey spanned over 17 years, during which he represented Assam and Assam Police with distinction. One of his most iconic moments came in 1981, when he scored the winning goal to help Assam Police defeat Dempo SC and lift the prestigious Bordoloi Trophy.
He also played a crucial role in Assam’s memorable Santosh Trophy campaign in the 1974–75 season, scoring the decisive goal that knocked out defending champions Kerala and propelled the team into the quarterfinals.
At the peak of his career, Sangma earned national recognition, representing India in international friendlies in Indonesia and Thailand in the mid-1970s. His contributions to the game were later honoured with the Assam Saurabh award in 2022, the state’s second-highest civilian honour.
Even after retiring from active service with the police force, Sangma remained closely associated with football in Assam, continuing to inspire the next generation.
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