Guwahati: Tributes continued to pour in on Saturday following the passing of veteran Assam footballer Gilbertson Sangma, fondly known as the "Man with Golden Boot".
He died at his residence in Guwahati earlier in the day at the age of 71.
According to family members, Sangma had been battling age-related ailments for several years and was also suffering from dementia. He breathed his last at around 7.30 am.
Funeral arrangements are likely to be finalised after the arrival of relatives from across the country.
Widely celebrated for his striking prowess, Sangma earned his iconic nickname for his remarkable goal-scoring ability, leaving a lasting imprint on football in Assam and beyond.
Condolences flooded social media, with the All India Football Federation remembering him as one of Assam's finest players.
In a statement, the federation described Sangma as a true icon whose legacy would continue to inspire generations, noting that Indian football had lost a gem.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed grief over the loss, saying Sangma's contribution to Indian football was immense and that he remained a source of inspiration for youth across the Northeast.
Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora also paid tribute, calling his death an irreplaceable loss to the sporting fraternity and recalling his influence in nurturing young talent through his dedication to the game.
Sangma's demise marks the end of an era for Assam football, with many remembering him as one of the state's most iconic sporting figures.