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Indian national team: Former internationals Mahesh Gawli and Climax Lawrence felicitated by the AIFF
The AIFF General Secretary handed over specially designed silver plaques and an India jersey each signed by every member of the national squad to the retiring duo...
14-Feb-2012 7:45:00 PM
By Goal.com India
AIFF
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), on 14 February 2012, felicitated Mahesh Gawli and Climax Lawrence at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
The Indian national team members, who are set to leave for Dubai on Wednesday, for a preparatory camp ahead of the Challenge Cup were also present.
“They have played 163 international matches between themselves and have been part of so many winning squads. I thank both for their dedication and contribution to Indian football,” said the AIFF GS Kushal Das acknowledging their contribution to the country.
Gawli has played in 82 international matches and has been a part of seven winning squads – two Nehru Cups (2007 & 2009), two SAFF Championships (2005 & 2011), LG Cup (2002), Bristol Freedom Cup (1998) and the Challenge Cup (2008).
On the other hand, Lawrence, capped 81 times, has been part of five triumphant squads – two Nehru Cups (2007, 2009), two SAFF Championships (2005 and 2011) and the Challenge Cup (2008).
AIFF Player-of-the-Year Sunil Chhetri, who was also present at the occasion, admitted that he learnt a lot from the now retired internationals.
“When I first came into the national squad, both of them were established stars. But never for a moment did they throw any attitude. Rather they were overeager to help me out,” said Chhetri and termed Gawli and Lawrence as "exemplary disciplinarians."
At the felicitation ceremony, Climax Lawrence said, “It’s an honour to be felicitated by AIFF in such a manner.”
Mahesh Gawli placed his faith in the upcoming and talented defenders coming through and went on to name Arnab Mondal, Raju Gaikwad and Anwar Ali as examples.
“I have full faith in the present bunch of boys and I hope they qualify again for the Asian Cup,” Gawli stated.
The Experienced Campaigner's Views On The Upcoming Talent In India Continued...
The Indian national team members, who are set to leave for Dubai on Wednesday, for a preparatory camp ahead of the Challenge Cup were also present.
“They have played 163 international matches between themselves and have been part of so many winning squads. I thank both for their dedication and contribution to Indian football,” said the AIFF GS Kushal Das acknowledging their contribution to the country.
Gawli has played in 82 international matches and has been a part of seven winning squads – two Nehru Cups (2007 & 2009), two SAFF Championships (2005 & 2011), LG Cup (2002), Bristol Freedom Cup (1998) and the Challenge Cup (2008).
On the other hand, Lawrence, capped 81 times, has been part of five triumphant squads – two Nehru Cups (2007, 2009), two SAFF Championships (2005 and 2011) and the Challenge Cup (2008).
AIFF Player-of-the-Year Sunil Chhetri, who was also present at the occasion, admitted that he learnt a lot from the now retired internationals.
“When I first came into the national squad, both of them were established stars. But never for a moment did they throw any attitude. Rather they were overeager to help me out,” said Chhetri and termed Gawli and Lawrence as "exemplary disciplinarians."
At the felicitation ceremony, Climax Lawrence said, “It’s an honour to be felicitated by AIFF in such a manner.”
Mahesh Gawli placed his faith in the upcoming and talented defenders coming through and went on to name Arnab Mondal, Raju Gaikwad and Anwar Ali as examples.
“I have full faith in the present bunch of boys and I hope they qualify again for the Asian Cup,” Gawli stated.
The Experienced Campaigner's Views On The Upcoming Talent In India Continued...
Climax Lawrence further praised the concept of Pailan Arrows, AIFF’s Developmental Team, and claimed that the present India U-23 team is a standing example.
“Pailan gives an unique opportunity for talented youngsters to play regularly in the I-League. The present India U-23 team is the fruit of Arrows,” he commented.
Lawrence also hit back at suggestions that there are not enough choices when it comes to strikers in India.
“There is Sunil [Chhetri], Jeje [Lalpekhlua], [C.S.] Sabeeth, Sushil [Singh] amongst others. The youth development programme is in full flow. I compliment the AIFF for such an initiative.
“The face of Indian football is fast changing. The scenario has changed a lot from the time we first burst into the national squad. More overhauling is due in the next five years,” Lawrence signed off.
“Pailan gives an unique opportunity for talented youngsters to play regularly in the I-League. The present India U-23 team is the fruit of Arrows,” he commented.
Lawrence also hit back at suggestions that there are not enough choices when it comes to strikers in India.
“There is Sunil [Chhetri], Jeje [Lalpekhlua], [C.S.] Sabeeth, Sushil [Singh] amongst others. The youth development programme is in full flow. I compliment the AIFF for such an initiative.
“The face of Indian football is fast changing. The scenario has changed a lot from the time we first burst into the national squad. More overhauling is due in the next five years,” Lawrence signed off.
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