Indian footballer Sumit Rathi commended the new head coach of the Indian national team, Khalid Jamil, for fostering a positive environment and enhancing competition among players with his straightforward approach. Rathi emphasized the advantage of Indian coaches understanding the players, noting it as one of Jamil’s key strengths. Jamil, who took over as head coach last year, led the team to a bronze medal at the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, showcasing promising results.
Rathi praised Jamil for promoting healthy competition within the team based on current performance rather than reputation, irrespective of whether players are from the Indian Super League (ISL) or I-League. The coach’s approach of rewarding players based on merit has been instrumental in elevating the team’s competitive spirit. Rathi highlighted the importance of giving opportunities to deserving players to represent the national team, emphasizing the significance of fair selection processes in sports.
Acknowledging Jamil’s hands-on approach, Rathi mentioned that the coach closely observes matches from both the ISL and I-League, a practice that has positively influenced player morale. Jamil’s inclusive selection criteria and dedication to closely monitoring games have garnered respect within Indian football circles. His successful stints with various clubs in the past, including guiding Aizawl FC to an I-League title in 2017, underscore his expertise and impact on the national team.
