The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially named Khalid Jamil as the new head coach for the senior men’s national team. The move is significant as Jamil is the first Indian to be appointed to the top coaching position in more than ten years.
Jamil takes charge from the previous coach, Manolo Marquez, whose time with the team ended after a period of poor performance.
A Coach with a Winning Record
Khalid Jamil is a well-known name in Indian football. Before becoming a coach, he played for the national team as a midfielder.
As a coach, he achieved one of the biggest upsets in Indian football history when he led Aizawl FC to win the I-League title in the 2016-17 season. He also successfully managed NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), taking them to the playoff stage.
What’s Next for Team India?
The Indian team, also known as the “Blue Tigers,” is currently ranked 133rd in the world and needs to improve its performance.
Coach Jamil’s first assignment will be the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup. After that, he will lead the team in the important AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches.
Khalid Jamil is known for his practical coaching style, which focuses on building a strong defense. Football fans are hopeful that his experience and understanding of Indian players will bring positive results and help the national team succeed.