Wait is over: Khalid Jamil selected as Indian men's football head coach

New Delhi: Khalid Jamil, who famously led Aizawl FC to an improbable I-League title in 2017, was on Friday appointed head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, becoming the first Indian in 13 years to take charge of the side.

The 48-year-old former India international, currently managing Indian Super League club Jamshedpur FC, was chosen by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) executive committee from a shortlist of three candidates.

The other finalists were former India head coach Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic, who previously managed Slovakia’s 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 Spaniard Manolo 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 in his new role will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29. PTI