Football team gets first Indian coach in 13 years as Khalid Jamil is named as Manolo Marquez's successor

The 48-year-old's first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting from August 29.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has named former international Khalid Jamil as the new national coach of the team, succeeding Spaniard Manolo Marquez.

Jamil, who famously guided the unheralded Aizawl Football Club to the I-League title in 2017, becomes the first Indian in 13 years to occupy the top job.

The 48-year-old, who is currently in charge of Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC, was selected by the AIFF executive committee from a three-man shortlist.

The other two contenders were former India head coach Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic, who previously managed the Slovakia national team.

The AIFF’s Technical Committee, led by legendary striker IM Vijayan, had shortlisted the three candidates for the executive committee's final decision.

Jamil will succeed Marquez, who parted ways with the AIFF last month following India’s recent struggles.

The last Indian to serve as head coach of the national men’s team was Savio Medeira, who held the position from 2011 to 2012.

Jamil’s first assignment will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29.

India are drawn alongside Tajikistan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan in Group B of the the tournament with their campaign kicking off against hosts Tajikistan on August 29 in Dushanbe.

The Central Asian regional tournament, scheduled from August 31-September 8, will serve as preparation for India ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round.

A former India mid-fielder and now an AFC Pro Licensed coach, Jamil was named the AIFF Coach of Year for 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

Marquez was in a dual role before parting of ways with the AIFF earlier this month. He was head coach of ISL side FC Goa simultaneously.

It is not yet clear whether Jamil will also perform dual role or whether he will leave his work at Jamshedpur FC, now that he has got the India top job.

(With inputs from Agencies)