In a major development for indian football, Khalid Jamil has been appointed as the head coach of the indian senior men’s national football team, becoming the first indian coach in over a decade to hold the position. The announcement was made official by the All india Football Federation (AIFF) on august 1, 2025, following a meeting of the Executive Committee.

 A New Chapter for indian Football
Jamil’s appointment is being hailed as a milestone for domestic coaching talent. For years, the indian national team has been guided by foreign coaches—including Igor Štimac, stephen Constantine, and Juan Pedro Benali. With Jamil’s appointment, the AIFF signals a strategic shift towards promoting indian coaches.

The decision came after a recommendation from the AIFF Technical Committee, led by legendary footballer IM Vijayan. The committee evaluated multiple candidates but chose Jamil based on his domestic success, coaching qualifications, and deep knowledge of indian football.

 Career Highlights of Khalid Jamil
Former Player: Jamil represented india as a midfielder and played club football for mahindra United and air India.

Coaching Credentials: He holds the AFC Pro License, the highest coaching certification in Asian football.

I-League Champion: In 2016–17, he led Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title win, becoming the first indian coach to do so with a club from the Northeast.

Indian Super League (ISL): He made history as the first indian coach to guide a team (NorthEast United FC) to the ISL playoffs in 2021.

Clubs Managed: mumbai FC, Aizawl FC, east Bengal, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United FC, jamshedpur FC.

🇮🇳 Why His Appointment Matters
This is the first time since Savio Medeira in 2011–2012 that an indian has taken full-time charge of the senior national team. The appointment is seen as a vote of confidence in local coaching talent and a potential inspiration for more indian coaches to rise through the ranks.

It also breaks a long-standing pattern of foreign dependency and aligns with the AIFF’s broader vision of “Indian coaches for indian football”. This approach emphasizes cultural familiarity, long-term development, and grassroots integration.

 What’s Next for Jamil?
Jamil’s first assignment as head coach will be leading india in the CAFA Nations Cup, set to begin on august 29, 2025, in Tajikistan. Following that, india will play crucial qualification matches in october for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, where only the top team from the group will advance.

India is grouped with Singapore, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, and currently sits at the bottom of the group after a draw and a loss in previous fixtures.

 About Khalid Jamil
Born: april 21, 1977, in kuwait City

Nationality: indian (Punjabi origin)

Known For: Calm demeanor, tactical discipline, player management

Coaching Style: Organized defense, counter-attacking football, nurturing young talent

 Summary
Name: Khalid Jamil

Position: Head Coach, indian Senior Men’s National Team

Announced: august 1, 2025

Replaces: Juan Pedro Benali (Interim role post-Štimac’s exit)

Notable Firsts:

First indian coach since 2012

First indian to take india to ISL playoffs

Only indian to win I-League with Northeast club

This appointment has ignited excitement among indian football fans who see it as a step toward building a stronger, more self-reliant football culture. All eyes are now on Jamil as he prepares to lead india in critical matches ahead.
For more interesting updates wa click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find out more:

khalid

Sindujaa D N

01/08/2025 07:02 PM