AIFF approaches Khalid Jamil to lead India U-23 squad for Asian Games, AFC U-23 Asian Cup

Khalid Jamil was awarded the Men’s Coach of the Year by AIFF this season.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approached Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil with a proposal to take charge of the Indian U-23 national team for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya and the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for September.

The federation aims to begin preparations early and views Jamil, fresh off a remarkable season with Jamshedpur FC—as the ideal candidate. Under his leadership, the club achieved its best finish since their ISL title-winning campaign, ending fifth in the 2024–25 season.

“The AIFF has held discussions with both us and Khalid,” confirmed Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari, speaking to the Times of India. “The decision ultimately lies with him. He’s had an exceptional spell with us.”

After finishing 5th in the league Jamil’s side narrowly missed out on a spot in the ISL final, falling to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a heartbreaking semifinal. However, they bounced back strongly, making it to the Super Cup final for the first time in the club’s history.

Jamil, who was recently awarded the AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year for a second consecutive time, is still weighing his options.

What will be Khalid Jamil’s responsibilities?

If Jamil accepts the role, he will be allowed to juggle both responsibilities—managing Jamshedpur FC and the national U-23 side. The move would underline AIFF’s trust in his ability to guide young talent on the international stage.

The 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers draw will take place on May 29 in Kuala Lumpur. Given his track record—leading Aizawl to an I-League title, guiding Northeast United and now Jamshedpur to ISL playoffs despite limited resources—AIFF officials believe Jamil is the right man for the job.

“He is, without a doubt, the best Indian coach in terms of results,” remarked India head coach Manolo Marquez earlier, who lauded Jamil’s consistency across multiple teams with modest budgets. Now, the ball is in Jamil’s court as Indian football awaits his decision.

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