Khalid Jamil Takes Charge as India's National Football Team Coach After 13 Years

Khalid Jamil Appointed as Head Coach

New Delhi: Khalid Jamil, renowned for leading Aizawl Football Club to an unexpected I-League victory in 2017, has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's national football team. This marks the first time in 13 years that an Indian has taken on this prestigious role.

At 48 years old, Jamil, who previously played for India and is currently managing Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League, was chosen by the executive committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from a shortlist of three candidates.

The other contenders included former national coach Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic, who has experience managing the Slovakia national team.

The final decision was made by the AIFF's Technical Committee, which is chaired by the legendary striker IM Vijayan.

Jamil replaces Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who left the AIFF last month after the team faced challenges.

The last Indian to hold the head coach position was Savio Medeira, who served from 2011 to 2012.

Jamil's inaugural task will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29.