New Delhi, April 6 The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday expressed its condolences on the death of former India forward Gilbertson Sangma, often referred to as "Assam's Pele".
Sangma, who died in Guwahati on April 3, was 70 years old.
A renowned forward from Assam, Sangma represented India at the international level in 1975. He made his debut for the senior national team against Indonesia on April 17, 1975, in the Marah Halim Cup in Jakarta.
Sangma, who had been unwell for the past few years due to age-related health issues, went on to earn three caps for India, all of which came during the same tournament.
At the domestic level, Sangma was a consistent performer for Assam in the Santosh Trophy from 1972 to 1980, scoring four goals in the competition during his appearances for the state side.
At the club level, he represented Assam Police from 1972 to 1982 and was part of the team that won the Bordoloi Trophy in 1981. Sangma scored the decisive goal in the final against Dempo, securing the title for his team.
"The AIFF joins the Indian football community in mourning the loss of Gilbertson Sangma and honors his contributions to the sport," the national federation said in a statement.
He is widely considered to be the finest footballer to emerge from Assam.