Khalid Jamil Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Football Team After 13 Years
After more than a decade, an Indian will once again lead the men’s national football team. Khalid Jamil’s appointment marks a significant shift in the AIFF’s strategy, balancing cultural understanding with budget constraints.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has named Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, making him the first Indian to take charge in 13 years. The last Indian to hold the post was Savio Medeira in 2011–12. Jamil takes over from Manolo Marquez, who stepped down after a lackluster stint that saw no wins in over a year of competition. The appointment was finalised on August 1, following approval from the AIFF Executive Committee. Also Read: West Indies Announce New T20I Squad vs Pakistan Amid Injury Setbacks Jamil emerged as the top pick from a shortlist that included Stephen Constantine and Slovakia’s Stefan Tarkovic. Key factors in his selection were his deep understanding of Indian football, ability to connect with local players, and the federation's need to rein in expenses.