Indian senior men’s national football team head coach Khalid Jamil was formally introduced to the media on Monday in Bengaluru at a press conference organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Vice President N A Haris, and Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan were present at the event.
Jamil, who has been with the national camp for the past 10 days, shared his thoughts on preparations for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025 in Tajikistan.
“Right now, my focus is only on the upcoming matches. This is the first step. We have limited time, so preparation is short-term, but once we progress, we can think about the next steps,” Jamil said in an AIFF release.
India are placed in Group B alongside hosts Tajikistan, IR Iran, and Afghanistan. They will play Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4 at the Hisor Central Stadium. The group winners will play the final in Tashkent, while second-placed teams from each group will contest the third-place match.
Jamil emphasised the importance of unity, professionalism, and building for the future. “The players are professionals. Once they enter the ground, they are focused. For me, there is no excuse. Everyone is working hard. We will play as a team, adapt with whoever is available, and give opportunities for new players to prove themselves,” he said.
The Blue Tigers will depart for Tajikistan in the early hours of Tuesday and will train there ahead of their opening fixture.
India squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil
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Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari.
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Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais.
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Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Thounaojam Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh Kumam, Naorem Mahesh Singh.
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Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (jr), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh.
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Support Staff: Assistant Coach Mahesh Gawali, Goalkeeping Coach Feroz Sherif, Strength and Conditioning Coach Manuel D’Souza.
India fixtures (Group B, Hisor Central Stadium, Tajikistan):
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Aug 29: Tajikistan vs India, 2100 IST
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Sept 1: India vs IR Iran, 1730 IST
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Sept 4: Afghanistan vs India, 1730 IST
