The national camp began on Independence Day (August 15), when the players and staff reported to Bengaluru, before the first training session was held at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on August 16.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The absence of striker Sunil Chhetri in the probables squad for the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup has raised a few questions, though for Jamil, the doors are open.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSunil is a legend of Indian football. I have played against him, I\u2019ve seen him play on numerous occasions, and he is one of my favourite players. He is a role model for Indian football, and the door is always open for him,\u201d said Jamil.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The national camp began with 22 players, with 13 others currently fulfilling their respective club engagements in the Durand Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jamil, on his maiden international appointment, said, \u201cIt is my pleasure to serve the country. It has always been my dream to do this, and it has now come true, so that feels very good. There is a big task ahead of us, and we\u2019ve got many areas that we need to work on. I am fully aware how big a responsibility it is for me, but I feel thankful that the Federation (AIFF) felt me worthy to be entrusted with it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 48-year-old\u2019s first assignment will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India have been drafted into Group B, and will travel to Hisor, Tajikistan, to play the hosts (August 29), IR Iran (September 1), and Afghanistan (September 4). The top teams from groups A and B will play the final on September 8 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and the two second-placed teams will face each other in a battle for third place on the same day in Hisor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jamil, who is keeping an eye on the progress of the other 13 players, said, \u201cWe started the camp with some players still not available, but we\u2019ve got the players we need to begin our preparations. The important thing is that we remain united as a team, because this will be India\u2019s first-ever participation in the CAFA Nations Cup, and it will be a good opportunity for us to play stronger opponents. Therefore, for the national interest, we would like to request co-operation from clubs to release players on time, to ensure their adequate participation during the preparatory camp.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, the newly-appointed India head coach has his sights set on the AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifiers, where India will face Singapore in the October FIFA International Window (October 9 in Singapore and October 14 in India), in their Group C encounters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt will be good for us to play against quality opponents in the CAFA Nations Cup. There is absolutely no excuse for us, as we have enough time to prepare for it,\u201d said Jamil. \u201cPlaying against stronger teams like Tajikistan and Iran will definitely be beneficial for us to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India have, thus far, played two, drawn one (0-0 at home against Bangladesh), and lost one (0-1 away in Hong Kong), and are bottom of Group C with just a point. Tasked with turning the Blue Tigers\u2019 fortunes around, Jamil plans to take things one step at a time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe must do the simple things first and go step by step. We are treating these as friendly games, but I want to take players who are fit. When I say fit, I mean the players who will play must be 100 per cent fit,\u201d said Jamil. \u201cWe had a good first training session yesterday (Saturday), but there\u2019s a lot to improve on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe may be treating these as preparatory games, but this is serious business for us. I need time to adjust to this team, and the players need time to adjust to me,\u201d he said. \u201cMy doors are always open to everybody. Whoever is doing well will be selected.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe must do the simple things first and go step by step. We are treating these as friendly games, but I want to take players who are fit. When I say fit, I mean the players who will play must be 100 per cent fit,\u201d said Jamil. \u201cWe had a good first training session yesterday (Saturday), but there\u2019s a lot to improve on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The newly-appointed coach urged the fans of Indian football to stick by the team as they look to turn things around. \u201cI am extremely thankful to the fans. They have been extremely supportive of us every time. Keep supporting us, and be patient.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n