Indian Football Gets a Homegrown Boost with Khalid Jamil’s Appointment
Renowned football coach Armando Agnelo Colaco, a proud recipient of the Dronacharya Award, is thrilled about Khalid Jamil taking the reins of the Indian men’s senior national football team. As the first Indian to both play for and coach the national side, Colaco sees this as a game-changer. He believes Jamil’s local insight will help build a unique, homegrown style of Indian football that plays to the players’ strengths far better than any foreign coach could.
"I know firsthand how crucial it is for a coach to truly get the players’ mindset," Colaco shared in an exclusive chat with , arranged by Vedanta Limited. "An Indian coach like Jamil understands our boys’ capacities inside out. He’ll craft a playing style tailored for India, maximizing results on home turf. Foreign tactics often fall flat here due to various challenges, so it’s time we develop our own football identity. I wish Khalid all the best – and that recent CAFA Cup performance is a solid sign it’s working!"
India kicked off their debut at the CAFA Nations Cup with a bang, grabbing third place. They stunned higher-ranked Oman 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time, right at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. This win over stronger teams highlights how Jamil’s arrival is already sparking positive vibes in Indian football.
While the men’s team has faced some tough times lately, women’s football in India is on a roll. The Women in Blue just qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time via the qualifiers – their first appearance since 2003. Plus, the India U20 women’s team earned a spot in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after a 20-year gap. What’s driving this Indian women’s football resurgence? Colaco points to smart moves by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"The AIFF’s push for state-level leagues, the launch of IWL2 and IWL, more international exposure, and a big focus on basics like fitness are paying off," he explained. "There’s now a clear roadmap for women’s football development, and the results speak for themselves."
Excitement is building for India’s next big match: an AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifier against Singapore on October 14. Goa will host the action at the iconic Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda – the first international game there in eight years. As a Goan himself, Colaco can’t wait to see the magic unfold.
"Bringing international football back to Goa will reignite the passion among fans," he said. "Old-timers cherish memories from Fatorda, but the younger crowd hasn’t experienced it yet. This Singapore match is a perfect chance to build that connection and inspire the next generation of Indian football stars."
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