New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, Armando Colaco has been awarded the Dronacharya Award, a recognition he received when he least expected it. One of Indian football’s most successful coaches will receive the highest honor for coaches in India after several years of applications. The veteran will receive the award in the lifetime achievement category.
Following the announcement of his selection as one of the two recipients, Colaco expressed his elation to Times, saying, “I am on cloud nine; I can’t express my joy in words.” He added, “This award recognizes all that I have contributed to football. I’ve applied multiple times before, and I felt disheartened each time my name was missing from the list. But deep down, I always believed that one day I would receive this honour.”
Currently coaching Sporting Clube de Goa, Colaco has been a stalwart of Indian football. At 72, he becomes the first Goan to receive the prestigious award. Colaco’s leadership of Dempo SC, guiding them to five I-League titles, has cemented his legacy as one of the finest coaches in Indian football history. His team employed a possession-based style of play, a rarity in Indian football at that time, further distinguishing his tactical acumen.
We congratulate former India head coach Armando Colaco on being conferred with the Dronacharya Award 2024 🏆 👏👏#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/AutmUOgSlX
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 2, 2025
Colaco also briefly coached the Indian National team, starting in May 2011. However, his tenure was short-lived, and he was replaced by Savio Medeira in October of the same year. It is noteworthy that he will receive the award in a year that has been particularly challenging for Indian football. The national team remained winless throughout 2024, leading to the AIFF’s dismissal of head coach Igor Stimac. This context adds a layer of significance to Colaco’s recognition, highlighting his enduring contribution to the sport amidst a period of national team struggles.
The former Dempo coach will be conferred with the award by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17. This ceremony will mark a significant moment in Indian football, celebrating the career of a truly influential figure.
Legendary football coach Armando Colaco receives the Dronacharya Award, India’s highest coaching honour, for his lifetime of contributions to the sport. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
