"It's like getting an Arjuna Award for me," an ecstatic 55-year-old Talukdar told reporters after receiving the honour and a cash award of Rs 1 lakh by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here.
Talukdar was instrumental in Mohammedan Sporting's 1983-84 Federation Cup triumph.
He also represented India in the Nehru Cup, besides playing for other eminent football clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the 1980s.