The All India Football Federation (AIFF) named Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of the Indian men’s football team. Jamil takes over from Manolo Marquez, whose winless run came to an end last month. Khalid Jamil is the first Indian to be given command of the men’s national team since Savio Medeira had a stint in 2011–12.
His appointment follows the trouncing of ex-India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakia’s Stefan Tarkovic for the job. Khalid Jamil’s first assignment will be the CAFA Nations Cup in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, from August 29. This is a big change for India’s football coaching policy—betting on homegrown talent instead of overseas know-how.
Who Is Khalid Jamil?
Khalid Jamil is not new to Indian football. Having been born in Kuwait City, he played the game in a country far removed from India’s footballing heartlands as he grew up. As a teenager, he even attended an under-14 camp where he met French icon Michel Platini. Jamil went on to play for India as a midfielder, notching up 40 caps for the national side.
He started his domestic club career at Mahindra United and then switched to Air India in 1998. He again moved to Mahindra in 2002, but did not get much playing time because of chronic injuries. These eventually ended his playing career. He later moved to Mumbai FC as well, but did not make a single first-team appearance there. However, Khalid Jamil’s true contributions to Indian football came after he retired from the game.
Coaching Credentials & Future Dual Role
Khalid Jamil has an AFC Pro License Diploma, which is one of the most prestigious coaching licenses in Asian football. He has gained a fine reputation as a tactician playing for various Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League clubs. He is currently contracted with Jamshedpur FC until 2026.
Based on reports, he is likely to oversee a dual role until the end of the 2025 Durand Cup, where Jamshedpur FC has already qualified for the quarterfinals. This double commitment mirrors his increased popularity and AIFF’s readiness to bend over backwards to prioritize continuity and strategic coherence.
ALSO READ: Khalid Jamil Appointed Head Coach of Indian Men’s Football Team
Move Towards Homegrown Leadership in Indian Football
Khalid Jamil’s appointment represents more than just a coaching change. It signals a philosophical shift within Indian football. For years, the AIFF looked outward, hiring foreign coaches in hopes of importing success. But with Jamil’s track record and deep understanding of Indian footballing culture, the federation seems ready to bet on domestic talent.
His ascension also encourages young Indian trainers, demonstrating that first-string jobs are not reserved for foreign names. This has the potential to redefine coaching pipelines among Indian clubs and academies.
CAFA Nations Cup & Road to Redemption
Khalid Jamil’s trial by fire will come in the CAFA Nations Cup in Central Asia, where India will have tough opposition. Hopes are high, but so is faith. Indian football, for once, is making a leap of faith with one of its own.
Whether Khalid Jamil will be able to infuse the team with that competitive spark is something that only time will tell, but his hiring is already being seen as a statement—Indian football can believe in itself once again.
