New Delhi – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men’s National Team on a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year. This marks the first time since 2012 that an Indian will lead the national men’s side, following Savio Medeira’s tenure.
Jamil will take exclusive, full-time charge of the Blue Tigers, beginning with a training camp on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The list of probables is expected to be announced soon. His first competitive challenge will be the CAFA Nations Cup later this month, where India will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4 in Group B. In October, the team will play two crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore on October 9 and 14.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Jamil said he felt “deeply proud and immensely privileged” to be entrusted with the role. Having worked with Indian players extensively, he emphasized that his understanding of their strengths and weaknesses will be central to preparations for upcoming tournaments.
The 48-year-old brings a wealth of coaching experience from the Indian Super League and I-League, having managed clubs such as Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC, Mumbai FC, and notably Aizawl FC, whom he led to a historic I-League title in the 2016-17 season. His recent stint with Jamshedpur FC saw the team reach the final of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup and the semi-finals of the ISL Play-offs 2024-25.
A former India international midfielder, Jamil earned 15 caps, debuting in the 1997 SAFF Championship, which India won. He also featured in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2001 Merdeka Tournament. At club level, he won the National Football League, two Federation Cups, and two IFA Shields with Mahindra United, and also represented Air India and Mumbai FC. He lifted the Santosh Trophy with Maharashtra in 1999.
