Gulf War Migrant to Indian Football Head Coach: Khalid Jamil's Story

Born in Kuwait, his family fled the Gulf War in 1990–91 and settled in Mumbai’s suburbs, where young Khalid found his passion for football.

He joined Air India as a midfielder. After training, Khalid would bring samosas and chai for coach Bimal Ghosh, requesting him to stay back for a little longer—just one more hour, one more drill, he'd ask. And then train like a madman. Here’s what Ghosh said about him: “He used to come early and would be the last to leave… I’ve never seen anyone train like that.”

Godfrey Pereira, his former teammate and fellow coach, says, “He never took shortcuts. He travelled from Mira Road to Kalina—never late, never missing training.”

Jamil represented India between 1998 and 2001, earning 40 caps. At 29, injuries cut his international career short, but not his love for the game. “Even after his playing career ended, his hunger for football only grew,” – Bimal Ghosh

When Steven Dias played under him at Mumbai FC, he noted, “He understands every player’s capacity…he gave me complete freedom in attack.”

As coach of Aizawl FC, Jamil led the club to the historic 2016‑17 I‑League title, a famed upset miracle. His reputation grew in the ISL with playoff runs at NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC. Khalid is the first Indian coach to reach the ISL playoffs.

In August 2025, Khalid Jamil became the first Indian head coach of the men’s national team in 13 years, signalling AIFF’s confidence in homegrown leadership.