Mahesh Gawli's talent was immediately spotted by the coaches at all age groups.
12 Facts About Mahesh Gawli
1.
2.
Mahesh Gawli started his career at FC Kochin where he joined in 1998 after graduating from Tata Football Academy and won the Kerala League with them before moving on to Churchill Brothers.
3.
Mahesh Gawli was a member of the East Bengal team that won the prestigious 2003 ASEAN Club Championship in which he scored a goal against Philippine Army FC.
4.
Mahesh Gawli helped Mahindra win the NFL, Indian Federation Cup, Mumbai Football League and the IFA Shield and was part of the team that participated in the 2007 AFC Cup and went on to reach the last eight stage.
5.
Mahesh Gawli won the best defender award in the 10th NFL for his stellar performances in Mahindra United colors.
6.
Mahesh Gawli has won two I-League titles with Dempo and is a regular starter for the club and forms a formidable partnership with another India international Samir Naik.
7.
Mahesh Gawli helped Dempo reach the semi-finals of 2008 AFC Cup and the pre-quarters in 2011 AFC Cup.
8.
Mahesh Gawli represented India in the AFC U-16 Championship in 1996 held in Thailand and was included in the Asian All Star U-16 team.
9.
Mahesh Gawli soon made his international debut in the pre-Olympic qualifier against Thailand in 1999 and cemented his place in the Indian team.
10.
Mahesh Gawli was part of the historical Nehru Cup 2007 win in which he was the man of the match in the final against Syria.
11.
Mahesh Gawli was an important part of the victorious India team at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.
12.
Mahesh Gawli announced his retirement on 26 December 2011, almost 2 weeks after winning the 2011 SAFF Championship with India.