Khalid Jamil: India's New Football Visionary

Khalid Jamil, the strategic mastermind who propelled Aizawl FC to an unexpected I-League win in 2017, has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian national men's football team. This marks the first time in over a decade that an Indian has taken the helm of the team.

The 48-year-old Jamil, who has garnered respect through his current stewardship of Indian Super League's Jamshedpur FC, was chosen over former India head coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakia's ex-manager Stefan Tarkovic. The decision was ratified by the All India Football Federation's executive committee.

Jamil faces the immense challenge of revitalizing a team that recently succumbed to lower-ranked Hong Kong, risking their chances for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His first test as leader will be the CAFA Nations Cup starting in late August.

(With inputs from agencies.)