Overview
- Gilbertson Sangma, the “Man with the Golden Boot,” died at his Guwahati home on Saturday after a prolonged illness.
- His funeral on Sunday drew full Assam Police honours, with Director General of Police Harmeet Singh and senior officials paying tribute.
- Harmeet Singh announced an annual Assam Police football tournament in Sangma’s memory that will begin next year.
- He earned three India caps in 1975 and scored landmark goals for Assam Police and the state, including the 1981 Bordoloi Trophy winner against Dempo and a decisive Santosh Trophy strike in 1974–75.
- He received the Assam Saurabh award in 2022 and had been reported to suffer from dementia, as clubs and sports leaders across the region shared condolences.