Khalid Jamil appointed head coach of Indian men’s football team

Khalid Jamil has been appointed as the head coach of India’s men’s football team, AIFF confirmed on Friday. Jamil becomes the first Indian coach to take charge of the national team (full-time) since Savio Madeira in 2011-12.

“The AIFF Executive Committee, in the presence of the Technical Committee, has approved the appointment of Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of the Senior India Men’s National Team,” the AIFF said in a statement on its official X handle.

Jamil takes the coaching baton from Spain’s Manolo Marquez who mutually parted ways with AIFF last month. The 48-year-old has the experience of coaching Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League and he is one of the most renowned Indian football coaches. Jamil had also helped both clubs reach the semifinal stages during his coaching tenure. He also won the I-League title with Aizawl FC.

Meanwhile, the Blue Tigers find themselves in a precarious position after a draw against Bangladesh and a loss against Hong Kong in Group C and sit at the bottom of the points table in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Jamil’s first assignment as head coach of the team will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India will take on Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Ergo, Jamil would look to hit the ground running and get the best out of his players. 

India would also play a doubleheader against Singapore in October in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Jamil has played a key role in getting the best out of players like Rahul Bheke, Lalengmawia Ralte, Ashutosh Mehta and Jayesh Rane and would want to deliver his best as India’s head coach.