Football squad of India convenes first practice session under new leadership of Khalid Jamil as head coach
India's Senior Men's National Team Gears Up for CAFA Nations Cup Under Khalid Jamil
Khalid Jamil, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in the Indian Super League and the I-League, has taken charge as the head coach of the senior Indian men's national team. Jamil, who led Aizawl FC to the historic I-League title in 2016-17, announced 35 probable players for the Blue Tigers' preparatory camp for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.
The first training session under Jamil's leadership was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India on August 17. As of the stated date, 22 players have reported to the national team camp. Among them, 13 players are expected to join after completing their Durand Cup 2025 engagements with their respective clubs.
Four players from East Bengal FC—Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Thounaojam, and Naorem Mahesh Singh—have already joined the camp after their club commitments in the Durand Cup ended. Jithin MS, a player for NorthEast United FC in the Durand Cup 2025, is also part of the 13. Manvir Singh, a player for both Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan SG in the Durand Cup 2025, is another player expected to join the camp.
However, some Mohun Bagan players including Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, and Subhasish Bose were unavailable due to the club's refusal to release them, causing their non-participation in the camp. Sunil Chhetri is not part of the squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025.
The CAFA Nations Cup matches are scheduled for August 29, September 1, and September 4. India will face Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan in these matches. In the October FIFA Window, India will play two AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14.
Khalid Jamil, a former India international with 15 caps to his name, made his debut in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal. He is currently the coach of Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC players in the Durand Cup 2025.
The full 23-member India squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 announced by coach Khalid Jamil includes:
- Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari
- Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais
- Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh
- Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr.), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh
The Indian football team is eagerly awaiting the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, with Jamil at the helm, aiming to make a strong showing against their opponents.
The coach of Mohun Bagan SG, Khalid Jamil, expressed his opinion about the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025, stating that he hopes the team will make a strong showing in sports, specifically football, against Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. In anticipation of the CAFA Nations Cup news, fans are expressing their excitement about the potential success of the Indian Senior Men's National Team in sports, particularly football.
