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Key Points

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey expressed confidence in Khalid Jamil's ability to transform the Indian football team. Jamil, the first Indian coach in 20 years, brings extensive experience from ISL and I-League clubs. His immediate focus will be the CAFA Nations Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The former India international is set to begin training in Bengaluru this week.

Key Points: AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey Backs Khalid Jamil as India Football Coach

  • Khalid Jamil becomes India's first Indian head coach in two decades
  • AIFF president praises Jamil's hard-working nature and past achievements
  • Jamil to lead India in CAFA Nations Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
  • Former India international has managed top ISL and I-League clubs successfully
3 min read

He will definitely bring some change to the team: Kalyan Chaubey on Khalid Jamil's appointment as Indian Men's Football Team coach

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey lauds Khalid Jamil's appointment as India's first full-time Indian football coach in 20 years, citing his experience and work ethic.

"He will definitely bring some change to the team. – Kalyan Chaubey"

New Delhi, August 13

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey praises Khalid Jamil, who has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian Men's National Football Team.

"During our last executive committee meeting, it was decided that Khalid Jamil will be the new head coach of the Indian Men's National Team. It has been 20 years since the Indian senior national team has given this responsibility to any Indian to be the coach," Chaubey said.

Lauding Jamil's work ethic, the AIFF president added, "Khalid is a hard-working individual... He will definitely bring some change to the team."

Jamil has previously managed several I-League and Indian Super League clubs.

The All India Football Federation confirmed that Khalid Jamil has signed a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men's National Team, according to the AIFF website.

Jamil will exclusively take charge of the national team on a full-time basis and will begin his first training camp on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The list of probables will be announced soon.

Jamil's first assignment with the Blue Tigers will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India will face hosts Tajikistan (August 29), Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (September 4) in Group B. In the October FIFA Window, India will play two crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore (October 9 and 14).

Jamil, the first Indian to coach the men's national team since Savio Medeira in 2012, has extensive coaching experience in the Indian Super League and the I-League, managing clubs like Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC and Mumbai FC. He sensationally led Aizawl FC to the historic I-League title in 2016-17.

The 48-year-old's most recent spell with Jamshedpur FC saw the Red Miners reach the final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, and the semi-finals of the ISL Play-offs 2024-25 and the Kalinga Super Cup 2024.

Jamil is a former India international with 15 caps to his name. A midfielder, he made his debut in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal, where India emerged champions. He was part of the Indian squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2001 Merdeka Tournament.

In his club playing career, Jamil won the National Football League, two Federation Cups and two IFA Shields with Mahindra United. He also donned the shirts of Air India and Mumbai FC. In the Santosh Trophy, Jamil represented Maharashtra, with whom he won the title in 1999.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows Indian football closely, I'm cautiously optimistic. Jamil's track record is impressive, but national team coaching is a different ball game. Hope AIFF gives him proper support staff and time to implement his vision.
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Ananya R
Great decision! We need more Indian coaches at the top level. Jamil understands our football culture better than any foreign coach. His work with smaller clubs shows he can maximize limited resources - exactly what our national team needs.
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Vikram M
Not sure about this appointment. While Jamil has done well with clubs, national team requires different skills. Why not go for someone with international experience? We're taking a big risk before important qualifiers.
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Kavya N
His first test against Iran will be baptism by fire! But if anyone can handle pressure, it's Jamil. Remember how he made Aizawl champions against all odds? That's the fighting spirit our team needs right now 💪
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Michael C
Good to see AIFF investing in local talent. But they must ensure Jamil gets same resources and support as foreign coaches received. No point changing coach if system remains same. Hope this marks beginning of new era for Indian football.
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Priya S
As a Mumbai football fan, I've followed J

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