AIFF Technical Committee Nominates Ishfaq Ahmed as India U-16 Head Coach
The AIFF Technical Committee signals a New Era in Youth Football. The group held a virtual meeting on July 13, 2023, to discuss and finalize the coaching staff appointment for the India U-16 Men’s National team.
Chaired by Mr. IM Vijayan and attended by Committee Members including Ms. Pinky Bompal Magar, Mr. Climax Lawrence, Mr. Arun Malhotra, Mr. Harjinder Singh, and Mr. Eugeneson Lyngdoh. Along with AIFF’s Technical Director Mr. Shabir Pasha, the meeting aimed to select coaches with the right expertise and understanding of youth football.
The Committee reached a unanimous decision, recommending the appointment of former India international Ishfaq Ahmed as the head coach of the India U-16 National team.
Ishfaq Ahmed brings valuable experience to his new role as the head coach of the India U-16 national team, having previously served as the assistant coach at Kerala Blasters.
The Committee, following careful evaluation, unanimously recommended Rajan Mani as the assistant coach and Feroz Sharif as the goalkeeper coach for the India U-16 National team.
“This marks a new chapter for the India U-16 national team, and I am confident that the recommended coaches will lead the team with expertise. With the upcoming SAFF U-16 Championship in Bhutan from September 1 to 11, I have no doubt that the team will showcase a performance that fills us with pride.”
– Committee Chairman Mr. Vijayan
In summary, the recommendation of Ishfaq Ahmed as the head coach, alongside the appointments of Rajan Mani as the assistant coach and Feroz Sharif as the goalkeeper coach, signifies a positive step for the India U-16 national team. With Ahmed’s prior experience as an assistant coach at Kerala Blasters, the team is in capable hands. The upcoming SAFF U-16 Championship presents an opportunity for the team to showcase their potential and make the nation proud. Overall, this marks a new beginning for Indian football’s grassroots development.
