AIFF confirms the appointment of Khalid Jamil as an Indian men’s team coach

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Khalid Jamil as head coach of the Indian senior national football team for men with a two -year contract, with an option to extend another year.

Jamil will only collaborate with the national team on a full-time basis, starting with his first training camp on 15 August in the Dravid-Padukone Center for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The list of probability will be announced soon. His first assignment will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India is confronted with Tadjikistan (29 August), Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (September 4) in group B. In October the Blue Tigers will play two crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifications against Singapore (9 and 14 October).

«I am deeply proud and privileged to be entrusted with leading our national team,» said Jamil, the first Indian to play the role since Savio Medira in 2012. «My experience with Indian players over the years has given me valuable insights into their strong and weaknesses that will guide our preparations.»

The 48-year-old has managed various I-League and ISL clubs, including Jamshedpur FC, Northeast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC and Mumbai FC. He led famous Aizawl FC to the i-League title in 2016-17.

A former international midfielder of India with 15 caps, Jamil debuted in the SAFF championship of 1997 and was part of the squadrons for the FIFA World Cup qualifications of 2002 and 2001 Merdeka Tournament. At club level he won the National Football League, two Federation Cups and two IFA shields with Mahindra United.