Golaghat, Nov. 28: It was more than motivation for the 150 young sports trainees at the Golaghat District Sports Association (GDSA) in Golaghat yesterday when the GDSA and about 50 other organisations heaped honours on a former international footballer from Assam, Gilbertson Sangma.

The GDSA awarded its introductory annual lifetime achievement award on the former Assam Police striker who had donned India colours on at least three occasions between 1972 and 1987.

Along with the traditional felicitation, the GDSA presented him a citation and a cash award of Rs 50,000. "I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the district from which I made my debut as a footballer in the national circuit. This is an initiative which is not only going to be motivational for the upcoming generations but also a factor to instil determination among them," Sangma said.

"We are going to continue honouring achievers like this every year," GDSA general secretary Sanjiv Handique said. This is the first time a district sports unit in Assam has introduced such an award.

Former PWD minister and Golaghat MLA Ajanta Neog, who is the chief patron of the GDSA, lauded the initiative and hoped it would encourage the younger generation.