India's newly appointed football captain, Subrata Paul, is among retired stars Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli to have been recommended by the All India Football Federation for the prestigious Arjuna Awards.

India’s top woman footballer 35-year-old Oinam Bembem Devi’s name has also been forwarded for the honour.

The 36-year-old Lawrence played as a midfielder and also led the country during a decade-long career that started in 2002.

A former Dempo player, Lawrence currently represents Mumbai FC in the I-League.

Gawli, a stopper, once held the distinction of being the highest paid Indian footballer in the league played for Dempo, Churchill Brothers and East Bengal. He began his international career in 1999 and played a key role till he called it quits in 2011.

Playing international football since 2007, 28-year-old Paul’s elevation to top post came after Stephen Constantine's appointment as coach. He is also India's number one goalkeeper and has had a stint at Danish club FC Vestsjælland.

Image: Former India midfielder Climax Lawrence

Photograph: AIFF