Home / Sports / Assam's Golden Boot Legend Gilbertson Sangma Dies
Assam's Golden Boot Legend Gilbertson Sangma Dies
5 Apr
Summary
- Gilbertson Sangma, known as 'Man with the Golden Boot', died on April 4.
- He was instrumental in putting Assam on the domestic football map.
- Sangma was honored with the Assam Saurabh award in 2022.

Assam football icon Gilbertson Sangma died on Saturday, April 4, at the age of 71. Known as the "Man with the Golden Boot," he passed away at his residence in Guwahati after a period of illness, including dementia.
Sangma was a prominent figure in Assam football during the 1970s and 80s. He significantly contributed to the sport's prominence in the state, a time when Bengal and Kerala teams often dominated.
His career spanned over 17 years, representing Assam and Assam Police. A notable achievement was scoring the winning goal for Assam Police against Dempo SC in the 1981 Bordoloi Trophy final.
He also played a vital role in Assam's 1974-75 Santosh Trophy campaign, scoring a decisive goal against Kerala. His talent earned him a place in the Indian national team for friendlies in the mid-1970s.
In recognition of his contributions, Sangma received the Assam Saurabh award in 2022, the state's second-highest civilian honor. Even after retiring from the police force, he remained an inspiration to young footballers in Assam.