Mahesh Gawli feels honoured on being appointed India U-23 boss

Mahesh Gawli was previously managing the India U-20 side.

Growth is always gradual. It helps people realise they are in the right path. After spending a long time as India's main man in defence, Mahesh Gawli had hung up his boots in 2015. Little did he imagine that the AIFF would call him up to train the underage groups of national team players? Maybe. But he surely wouldn't have thought of this gradual elevation.

Previously the manager of the India U-20 national side, Gawli will now be taking charge of the U-23 team apart from assisting Stimac with the senior team duties. Today, AIFF announced the contract extension of senior team head coach Igor Stimac. Along with Stimac, his most-trusted personnel Mahesh Gawli will also be there till 2026.

Mahesh Gawli feels honoured

Mahesh Gawli expressed delight at his appointment on a new role. He said, "I know it's a huge responsibility for me. We have a huge depth of talent in the country, and it is necessary to nurture and cultivate it well. I am honoured to have gotten this role. It's important to recognise Clifford Miranda's role as well. He did a great job with the team when he was in charge and we could see the result of the work in the team at the Asian Games.” 

What has he learnt from Igor Stimac?

After Shanmugam Venkatesh left the national team setup to join East Bengal, the AIFF promoted Mahesh Gawli to the head coach role for the U-20 team and made him the assistant to Stimac. Be it in press conferences or during training sessions, Gawli has always been seen working closely with the players and coordinating perfectly with the boss.

When asked about what he has learnt from the Croatian, Gawli said, "It's an honour for me to work under him. He's very energetic. The way he manages the team and the coaching staff, it's excellent."

Hopes for Merdeka Cup

As a player, Mahesh Gawli has plied his trade in the prestigious Merdeka Cup. In the upcoming edition of course, he'll be on the sidelines, handing his inputs to the head coach. He said about the competition, "I have played the Merdeka Cup once. This time we are a better side and we have hope."