AI organization, AIFF, signs Khalid Jamil to a two-year deal as India's manager, ending his tenure with Jamshedpur FC.
New Indian National Football Team Manager Khalid Jamil Aims to Revive Fortunes
Khalid Jamil, a former Indian international player and a pioneering Indian coach, has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's national football team. This marks the first time an Indian has held this position since 2012[1][3][4].
Background and Achievements
Born on April 21, 1977, in Kuwait City to Indian Punjabi parents[3][4], Jamil started playing football in Kuwait and moved to India in the 1990s. As a player, he was a midfielder who played mainly for Mahindra United, Air India, and Mumbai FC, and earned about 40 caps representing India at the international level[2][3].
Jamil's coaching career began after retiring early in 2009 due to injuries[3]. He has managed several top Indian clubs, including Mumbai FC, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Aizawl FC, NorthEast United, and Jamshedpur FC[3][4]. He made history by leading Aizawl FC to their first-ever I-League title in the 2016-17 season—this was notable as Aizawl was the first club from Northeast India to win the league[1][4].
Jamil is the first Indian coach to be appointed as a permanent head coach of an Indian Super League (ISL) club and the only Indian coach to lead a team (NorthEast United) to the ISL playoffs in the 2020–21 season[3][4]. With Jamshedpur FC, he led the team to a Super Cup semi-final in 2024[4].
New Role and Responsibilities
Jamil's first assignment with the Indian men's national team will be the CAFA Nations Cup[5]. His insights into Indian players will be crucial in preparing for this tournament and the Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore[1][6]. His contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is for two years, with an option for an extension[2].
Jamil's first training camp with the team will be on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru[3]. India will face hosts Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan in the CAFA Nations Cup in Group B[7]. The dates for India's matches in the tournament are August 29, September 1, and September 4[8].
India will also play two AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore in the October FIFA Window (October 9 and 14)[2]. Khalid Jamil expresses pride and privilege at leading the Indian men's national football team[9].
Jamil has stepped down as manager of Jamshedpur FC with immediate effect[10]. The AIFF selected Jamil from a shortlist of three candidates for a role considered high pressure and crucial for reviving Indian football fortunes[1][2][5].
References:
- Indian Express
- The Hindu
- Outlook India
- ESPN
- Goal.com
- AIFF
- CAFA
- AIFF
- AIFF
- ESPN
Sports have played a significant role in Khalid Jamil's illustrious career, from being a midfielder who represented India in about 40 international matches, to managing various top Indian football clubs and leading Aizawl FC to their first I-League title. As the new manager of the Indian men's national football team, Jamil aims to apply his knowledge and experience in sports, particularly football, to revive the fortunes of the team.
