"I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged"
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that Khalid Jamil has signed a two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year, as the head coach of the Indian Men’s National Team.
Jamil will take charge of the national team on a full-time basis, beginning his first training camp on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
The list of probables will be announced shortly.
His first assignment with the Blue Tigers will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India will face hosts Tajikistan on August 29, IR Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4 in Group B.
During the October FIFA Window, India will play two crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14.
Jamil said: “I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team.
“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I’ve grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately.
“These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the upcoming crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore.”
The 48-year-old becomes the first Indian to coach the men’s national team since Savio Medeira in 2012.
Khalid Jamil brings extensive experience from the Indian Super League and the I-League, having managed clubs including Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC, and Mumbai FC.
Notably, he led Aizawl FC to the historic I-League title in 2016-17.
His most recent tenure with Jamshedpur FC saw the Red Miners reach the final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, and the semi-finals of the ISL play-offs 2024-25 and the Kalinga Super Cup 2024.
Jamil is also a former India international, earning 15 caps as a midfielder.
He made his debut in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal, where India emerged champions. He was part of the squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2001 Merdeka Tournament.
During his club career, Jamil won the National Football League, two Federation Cups, and two IFA Shields with Mahindra United.
He also played for Air India and Mumbai FC, and represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy, winning the title in 1999.
Jamil’s appointment comes a month after Manolo Marquez resigned so that he could focus on his club side, FC Goa.
The vacancy was advertised publicly and there were over 170 applications.
Reports claimed there were applications from ex-Barcelona manager Xavi and current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
However, it was later revealed that they were hoax applications.
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