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Key Points

Khalid Jamil has officially taken over as the full-time head coach of India's senior men's football team. His first major challenge will be the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, followed by AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Jamil, a former India international, brings extensive coaching experience from ISL and I-League clubs. He is the first Indian to hold this position since Savio Medeira in 2012.

Key Points: Khalid Jamil Appointed Full-Time Head Coach of Indian Football Team

  • Khalid Jamil becomes first Indian head coach since 2012
  • Will lead India in CAFA Nations Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
  • Previously guided Aizawl FC to historic I-League title
  • Played 15 matches for India as a midfielder
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Khalid Jamil signs full-time contract as Indian senior men's team head coach

Khalid Jamil signs a two-year deal as India's senior men's football coach, set to lead in CAFA Nations Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

"I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to lead our national team. – Khalid Jamil"

New Delhi, August 13

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) 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 said, "I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I've grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately. These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the upcoming crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore."

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 an expat following Indian football, I'm cautiously optimistic. Jamil understands the local players better than any foreign coach would. But the real test will be the Asian Cup qualifiers - Singapore won't be easy opponents.
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Ananya R
Not sure about this decision...we've seen better results with foreign coaches like Stimac. Jamil's record is good but national team is different pressure. Hope AIFF gives him proper support staff and preparation time.
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Vikram M
His first match against Iran will be baptism by fire! But if anyone can motivate our boys, it's Jamil. Remember how he made Aizawl play like warriors? Need that same fighting spirit in national colors. Jai Hind!
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Kavya N
As a football mom whose son plays in youth leagues, this gives me hope! Finally our kids can dream of coaching the national team one day. More Indian coaches means better pathway for our talented youngsters 👏
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Michael C
Interesting move! His experience with multiple ISL clubs means he knows most current players well. That instant connection could be valuable in short preparation windows before international matches.

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