India, April 4 -- International footballer Gilbertson Sangma passed away on April 4 at his residence in Kahilipara, Guwahati. He was 71. Family sources said he breathed his last around 7 am after a prolonged illness.

Widely regarded as the "golden boy of Assam football," Sangma was a towering figure in the state's sporting landscape and a respected name in Indian football. His death has been mourned across the football fraternity, with tributes pouring in for his contribution to the game.

Born in Dibrugarh in 1954, Sangma developed an early passion for football, inspired by players such as Kamala Nath, Subir Choudhury and Chandra Mohan Ganju. His journey took shape in 1971 when he joined Assam Police, where he trained alongside his idol...