Born at Chakalibhoria village near Panitola in Tinsukia district of Assam, Phukan came from a football family.
He represented Assam football team nine times in the Santosh Trophy.
In 1985–86, he was again picked for the Indian junior team for the matches which played in Pakistan and Riyadh.
Phukan who was also an SBI Officer died on 14 December 2013 in a private hospital in Guwahati at the age of 49 years.
Former CM of Assam Tarun Gogoi quoted him as, "Phukan with his stylish footwork techniques and sportsmanship would remain an example for the new generation of footballers".