Mehrajuddin Wadoo appointed India U17 men’s football team head coach

Former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo has been appointed head coach of the India Under-17 men's football team. The Blue Colts began their preparatory camp in Goa for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled in Malaysia in November

Hyderabad: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo as the head coach of the India Under-17 men’s national team.

Wadoo, 42, took charge of the team as the Blue Colts began their preparatory camp in Margao, Goa, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The camp is currently in its trial phase as preparations begin for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers.

---

India have been drawn in Group E of the Qualifiers, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 11 to 20. The Blue Colts will face hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore and Guam in the group.

An AFC Pro Licence holder, Wadoo brings considerable experience as both a player and a coach. He most recently served as the head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club and has previously been the head coach of Real Kashmir FC and Sudeva Delhi FC.

As a player, Wadoo represented the Indian national team and was part of the squad that won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008. He went on to represent the country at the AFC Asian Cup in 2011. He also won the SAFF Championship in 2005 and the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009, and was part of the Chennaiyin FC side that won the Indian Super League (ISL) title in 2015.

Mehrajuddin Wadoo said, “It is a great honour to take charge of the India U17 men’s national team. This is an important age group, and our immediate focus is to create an environment where the players can develop and compete at the highest level. We have started the camp with trials and will prepare for the qualifiers in the best possible manner. I am looking forward to working with the players and having a fruitful camp.”