# Bajaj ready to coach India U-15 alone after Fernandes declines

2026-08-08T06:12:43+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Ranjit Bajaj says he is ready to manage the India Under-15 men's team after learning that head coach Bibiano Fernandes has also declined the role. Bajaj earlier rejected the position because he did not want to work alongside Fernandes, citing different coaching philosophies. Now, he says if Fernandes is out, the AIFF should give him the job alone. Bajaj, founder of Minerva Academy, wants complete control to build the team for the 2034 World Cup and 2036 Olympics. The AIFF had appointed both men for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan in October. Bajaj had initially expressed unhappiness with the arrangement. He is now ready to serve if he is the sole person in charge.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/ranjit-bajaj-says-he-s-ready-to-take-up-the-job-after-rejecting-role-as-india-manager-for-u-15-fifa-world-cup-101786158241162.html>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/football/ranjit-bajaj-makes-dramatic-u-turn-over-india-u-15-football-team-role-sets-big-condition-11882187#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: AIFF, Bibiano Fernandes, FIFA U-15 World Cup, Indian football, Ranjit Bajaj
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