Former India footballer Gilbertson Sangma, a forward who represented the national team in the mid-1970s, passed away in Guwahati on April 3, 2026. He was 70.
Sangma was among the notable footballers to emerge from Assam during a period when the sport was still developing in the northeastern region. His rise to the national team reflected both his individual ability and the gradual expansion of football talent beyond traditional strongholds in the country.
He made his senior international debut against Indonesia on April 17, 1975, during the Marah Halim Cup in Jakarta. Sangma went on to earn three caps for India, all in the same tournament. His appearances came at a time when Indian football was in a transitional phase, with the national team rebuilding and opportunities at the international level relatively limited.
At the domestic level, Sangma was a regular member of the Assam state team in the Santosh Trophy between 1972 and 1980. Over the course of his appearances in the country’s premier national football championship, he scored four goals and was regarded as a dependable forward for the side.
In club football, Sangma represented Assam Police from 1972 to 1982, establishing himself as a consistent performer over a decade. His most notable achievement came in 1981 when Assam Police won the Bordoloi Trophy, one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the region. Sangma scored the decisive goal in the final against Dempo, sealing the title in what remains one of the standout moments of his career.
Known for his positioning and composure in front of goal, Sangma was valued for his ability to convert chances in crucial situations. His performances at both the state and club levels made him a key figure in Assam football during the 1970s and early 1980s.
At a time when players from the Northeast were still establishing their presence in Indian football, Sangma was among those who helped lay the groundwork for the region’s later prominence in the sport. His journey to the national team highlighted the growing football culture in Assam.
After retiring from competitive football, Sangma remained associated with the sport at the local level and contributed to its development, encouraging younger players in the region.
The All India Football Federation condoled his death and acknowledged his contribution to Indian football. Members of the football community also remembered him as part of a generation that played a role in strengthening the sport in the country.
Sangma’s passing marks the loss of a former national player who contributed to both Indian football and the growth of the game in Assam.
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