Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Khalid Jamil becomes first Indian to coach national football team

He famously guided unfancied Aizawl Football Club to the I-League title in 2017

Khalid Jamil

Khalid Jamil

Facebook

KHALID JAMIL made history on Friday (1) by becoming the first Indian to lead the national football team as head coach in 13 years, beating Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic to secure the position.

The last Indian to serve as head coach of the men's national team was Savio Medeira, who held the role from 2011 to 2012.


The 48-year-old Jamil, who famously guided unfancied Aizawl Football Club to the I-League title in 2017, faces the challenging task of reversing the struggling Indian team's declining fortunes.

A former India international currently managing Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, Jamil was selected by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee after being shortlisted by the technical committee led by legendary striker IM Vijayan.

An AFC Pro Licence Diploma holder, Jamil will succeed Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted company with the AIFF last month following India's recent struggles.

"The AIFF ExCo has picked Khalid Jamil as the new head coach, but his tenure has not yet been decided. We will do that after discussions with him and amongst ourselves," AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said after the meeting.

"Jamil wanted a three-year tenure. Some ExCo members said it could be one year or two years. But it will be a long-term tenure, maybe two or three years, and performance-based."

The AIFF president made it clear that Jamil will be a full-time national team head coach and will not be associated with any other club, unlike his predecessor Manolo who had played a dual role with ISL side FC Goa. "Jamil will only be head coach of the national team," Chaubey confirmed.

Jamil's first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29. He faces the tough task of reversing India's poor recent performances after losing 1-0 to lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, leaving the country in danger of missing out on qualifying for the continental showpiece in 2027.

Following the CAFA Nations Cup, India will play AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches against Singapore on 9 and 14 October.

The biggest achievement of Jamil's decade-long managerial career was leading Aizawl FC to the 2016-17 I-League title, upstaging big-spending giants like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC with a minimal budget. The unassuming Mumbaikar also guided NorthEast United (2020-21) and Jamshedpur FC (2024-25) to the ISL play-offs.

Jamil received strong support from football legends. Vijayan favoured an Indian coach, noting that the country had a much higher FIFA ranking with Indian coaches like Sukhwinder Singh and Syed Nayeemuddin.

"He (Vijayan) strongly recommended Khalid Jamil, as he has already been conferred with the AIFF's Men's Coach of the Year Award on two occasions (2023-24 and 2024-25)," the AIFF said in a release.

Former India coach Amrando Colaco, currently adviser to Chaubey, and technical committee vice-chairperson Shabir Ali also advocated for an Indian head coach.

"Colaco and Mr Ali expressed their views that the AIFF should prioritise selecting an Indian coach for the senior men's national team... they believe that Indian coaches need to be given a fair chance to prove themselves," the AIFF said.

Former India players and current executive committee members Pinky Bompal Magar, Thongam Tababi Devi and Climax Lawrence also supported the decision.

"The house felt that since India are set to participate in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 later this month, followed by back-to-back AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October, Jamil would be a better option, since he has been working with Indian players on a regular basis," the AIFF explained.

The federation had received 170 applications, including from former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell.

(PTI)

More For You

Euros-Final-Getty

Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh lift the UEFA Women's EURO trophy after their team's victory in the final match between England and Spain on July 27 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Kelly scores winning penalty as England retain Euro title

CHLOE KELLY scored the winning penalty as England defeated Spain 3-1 in a shootout to claim the Euro 2025 title on Sunday. The final ended 1-1 after extra time, giving England their second consecutive European Championship victory.

Sarina Wiegman’s side had earlier staged a comeback in the tournament, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Sweden in the quarter-finals on penalties and overcoming Italy in the semi-finals with another extra-time goal from Kelly.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diogo Jota

Jota scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Liverpool’s Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain

LIVERPOOL forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain early on Thursday, police said. The crash occurred weeks after the Portugal international got married.

The Civil Guard confirmed that a vehicle veered off a motorway and caught fire shortly after midnight in Cernadilla, in the northwestern Zamora province. The crash resulted in the deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jonathan Badyal joins Manchester United foundation as new trustee

Jonathan Badyal

Jonathan Badyal joins Manchester United foundation as new trustee

MANCHESTER UNITED FOUNDATION has appointed two new trustees to its board, including a communications expert with experience in music and government.

Jonathan Badyal, a partner at Trafalgar Strategy and former Universal Music UK director of communications, joined the board in March alongside Professor Saul Becker from Manchester Metropolitan University, a statement said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asean All-Stars

All-Stars Maung Maung Lwin (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the exhibition friendly football match between Manchester United and Asean All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur on May 28. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Manchester United lose to ASEAN All-Stars during post-season Asian tour

MANCHESTER UNITED lost 1-0 to a Southeast Asian XI in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday in front of 72,550 fans, as part of their post-season tour in Asia.

Ruben Amorim’s team, who finished 15th in the Premier League for their worst season since 1974, showed little energy and few ideas in the hot conditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool lifts the trophy after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Liverpool lift Premier League trophy after Palace draw

Virgil van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday. It was the first time in 35 years that Liverpool celebrated a title with their own fans.

Arne Slot's team secured their record-equalling 20th English crown by beating Tottenham in April. The trophy presentation was held back for the final game of the season.

Keep ReadingShow less