Assam football legend Gilberton Sangma passed away at the age of 70 on Friday morning at his residence in Kahilipara, Guwahati. Regarded as the finest footballer from Assam, he spent his entire domestic career with his State and Assam Police. A significant highlight of his career was in 1981 when he scored the winning goal for Assam Police in the Bordoloi Trophy final against Dempo SC. Condolences poured in from notable figures, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, who praised Sangma’s contributions to Indian football and his influence on Northeast youth. During his 17-year career, Sangma was a consistent forward, helping elevate Assam’s status in domestic football, especially notable during the 1974–75 season when he scored a crucial goal against defending champion Kerala, leading the team to the Santosh Trophy quarterfinals. He was also recognized nationally, representing India three times in friendly matches against Indonesia and Thailand in 1975.
