New Delhi: In a landmark move, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the appointment of Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of the Indian men’s national football team. With this decision, Jamil becomes the first Indian in 13 years to take charge of the senior national side, breaking a long line of foreign appointments.
The 48-year-old tactician, best known for guiding Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title in 2017, was chosen over two other shortlisted candidates—Stephen Constantine, former India head coach, and Štefan Tarkovič, former Slovakia national coach. The shortlist was prepared by AIFF’s technical committee led by legendary striker IM Vijayan, and the final decision was taken by the AIFF Executive Committee.
Jamil takes over from Manolo Márquez of Spain, who stepped down last month following a string of disappointing performances by the national team. The last Indian to hold the post was Savio Medeira, who served as head coach from 2011 to 2012.
Currently serving as manager of Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC, Jamil now faces a new chapter and a high-stakes challenge. His first assignment will come quickly, as India is set to compete in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, scheduled to begin on August 29 in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Jamil’s appointment has been met with optimism by many in the Indian football fraternity, who view this as a step toward nurturing domestic coaching talent and giving a uniquely Indian identity to the national squad.
With his proven track record and understanding of Indian football’s grassroots structure, Khalid Jamil’s leadership is expected to bring fresh direction and renewed energy to the Blue Tigers.
