– Mohamed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru: Indian football has entered a new chapter as Khalid Ahmed Jamil officially becomes the head coach of the senior men’s national team. This is the first time in 13 years that an Indian has been given the role. The 48-year-old, born in Kuwait City to Indian Punjabi parents, signed a two-year contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday. The deal includes an option for a one-year extension based on performance.
Jamil left Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC to accept the position. His first training camp will start on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. His immediate tasks include leading the team in the CAFA Nations Cup from August 29. This will be followed by two important AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore in October’s FIFA window.
“I am proud to lead our national team,” Jamil said. He promised to build a disciplined and competitive side.
Jamil is known for his pragmatic and disciplined approach. He has built hardworking teams that achieved more than expected with limited resources. His success with Indian clubs, often against richer rivals, influenced the AIFF’s decision. The federation considered other candidates like former India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovak coach Stefan Tarkovic before choosing Jamil.
This appointment marks a shift in AIFF strategy. For years, foreign coaches led the team with mixed results. Now, the federation is backing homegrown talent to revive the national squad.
Jamil’s former deputy at Jamshedpur FC, Steven Dias, will be interim head coach of the club. This will allow Jamil to focus fully on his national duties. The AIFF believes this full-time role will improve player preparation and tactical stability.
The last Indian to coach the national team was Savio Medeira in 2011–12. Since then, only foreign coaches have held the job. Jamil’s appointment is seen as a boost for Indian coaching talent. It is also a morale lift for players and aspiring coaches.
As the CAFA Nations Cup approaches, attention will be on Jamil’s ability to bring discipline, organisation, and work ethic to the squad. Success could change India’s football leadership strategy for years ahead.
