The All India Football Federation has made its move ahead of a crucial qualification cycle. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo as the head coach of the India U17 men’s national team, with the 42-year-old immediately taking charge of the Blue Colts’ preparatory camp in Margao, Goa, ahead of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers.
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What Is the Immediate Goal?
The camp in Margao 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 stage — a competitive pool that demands thorough preparation.
Appointment: At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Mehrajuddin Wadoo |
| Role | Head Coach, India U17 Men’s Team |
| Appointed By | All India Football Federation (AIFF) |
| Announcement Date | September 2, 2026 |
| Age | 42 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Licence | AFC Pro Licence |
| Camp Location | Margao, Goa |
| Camp Phase | Trial Phase |
| Immediate Target | AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers |
India’s AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier Group E
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| Malaysia | Hosts |
| India | Participant |
| Palestine | Participant |
| Singapore | Participant |
| Guam | Participant |
| Qualifier Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers |
| Host Country (Qualifiers) | Malaysia |
| Venue City | Kuala Lumpur |
| Qualifier Dates | November 11–20, 2026 |
| India’s Group | Group E |
Wadoo’s Coaching Career
An AFC Pro Licence holder, Wadoo brings considerable experience as both a player and coach. He most recently served as head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club and has previously been head coach of Real Kashmir FC and Sudeva Delhi FC.
| Club | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sudeva Delhi FC | Head Coach (Interim) | 2021–2022 |
| J&K Sports Council | Coach | 2021–2022 |
| Real Kashmir FC | Head Coach | September 2022 |
| Mohammedan Sporting Club | Head Coach | 2023 |
| India U17 Men’s Team | Head Coach | September 2026 |
Wadoo’s Playing Career: A Decorated India International
Wadoo enjoyed a successful international career with India, representing the national team in several major competitions. He was part of the Indian squad that won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 and later featured at the AFC Asian Cup in 2011. The former defender was also part of India’s SAFF Championship-winning side in 2005 and played in the teams that lifted the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009.
At club level, he was a member of the Chennaiyin FC squad that won the Indian Super League title in 2015, where he was recognised as one of the best right-backs in the tournament during that season.
Wadoo’s Honours as a Player
| Trophy | Year |
|---|---|
| SAFF Championship | 2005 |
| Nehru Cup | 2007 |
| AFC Challenge Cup | 2008 |
| Nehru Cup | 2009 |
| AFC Asian Cup | 2011 (Participant) |
| ISL Title (Chennaiyin FC) | 2015 |
| Federation Cup | Multiple Times |
| IFA Shield | Multiple Times |
What Wadoo Said
Commenting on his appointment, 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 they can develop and compete at the highest level. We have started the camp with trials and will prepare for qualifiers in the best possible manner. I am looking forward to working with the players and having a fruitful camp.“
Player Profile: Mehrajuddin Wadoo
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mehrajuddin Wadoo |
| Date of Birth | 1984 |
| Age | 42 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Place of Origin | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Playing Position | Right-Back / Defender |
| Coaching Licence | AFC Pro Licence |
| ISL Club (Player) | Chennaiyin FC (2015) |
| International Honours | AFC Challenge Cup 2008, SAFF Championship 2005 |
Why This Appointment Matters
Wadoo’s appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Indian youth football. The AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in November represent one of the first major tests for the country’s next generation of footballers. With the senior national team, under Khalid Jamil, currently preparing for friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay, the AIFF is simultaneously building both ends of the pyramid.
Wadoo’s direct experience of Indian football — both as a player who competed at the highest level of Asian football and as a coach across multiple Indian clubs — makes him a natural fit for the role.
FAQs
Who is Mehrajuddin Wadoo?
Mehrajuddin Wadoo is a 42-year-old former India international defender who has been appointed as the head coach of the India U17 men’s national football team by the AIFF. He is an AFC Pro Licence holder who most recently served as head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club.
What is the immediate target for Wadoo’s India U17 team?
India have been placed in Group E of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, which are scheduled to 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 stage.
Where is India U17’s preparatory camp being held?
The Blue Colts began their preparatory camp in Margao, Goa, on September 3, 2026. The camp is currently in its trial phase as the coaching staff looks to identify and prepare a strong squad for the continental qualifiers.
What coaching experience does Mehrajuddin Wadoo bring to the role?
Wadoo has previously served as head coach of Sudeva Delhi FC, Real Kashmir FC, and Mohammedan Sporting Club. He holds an AFC Pro Licence and brings considerable experience from both his playing and coaching career in Indian football.
What did Mehrajuddin Wadoo win as a player?
As a player, Wadoo won the SAFF Championship in 2005, the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009, and the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 with India. At club level, he was part of the Chennaiyin FC squad that won the ISL title in 2015.
