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Key Points

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honored the young footballers of Minerva Academy for their historic European treble achievement. The U-14/15 squad created history by winning three prestigious international tournaments in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The team maintained an unbeaten record across 26 matches while scoring an incredible 295 goals. Mandaviya emphasized this victory marks a new beginning for Indian football's international aspirations.

Key Points: Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitates Minerva Academy Historic European Treble

  • Minerva Academy U-14/15 squad won Gothia Cup, Dana Cup, and Norway Cup in 2025
  • Team remained unbeaten in 26 matches scoring 295 goals
  • Defeated Argentina's Escuela de Football 18 Tucuman 4-0 in Gothia final
  • Players Konthoujam Yohenba and Huidrom Tony earned individual honors
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Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitates young footballers after historic European treble

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya honors Minerva Academy's U-14/15 footballers after unprecedented European treble win, calling it a new beginning for Indian football.

"This is a new beginning for Indian football in our quest to achieve more glory in the international arena - Mansukh Mandaviya"

New Delhi, Aug 28

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the young footballers of Minerva Academy Football Club, Mohali, in New Delhi on Thursday, terming their victories across Europe as a new beginning for Indian football going forward.

The Under-14/15 squad of 22 players scripted history in July–August 2025 by completing a never-before-achieved European treble, winning the Gothia Cup (Sweden), the Dana Cup (Denmark), and the Norway Cup (Norway).

"This is a new beginning for Indian football in our quest to achieve more glory in the international arena," mentioned Mansukh Mandaviya.

Union Minister urged the young athletes to keep in mind 'nation first' wherever they participate. "More emphasis has to be given towards sports science, nutrition, and mental resilience of these youngsters through psychologists. This will keep India on the winning path. These youngsters have to maintain their high confidence level and their passion towards the sport," Mandaviya added.

These tournaments are regarded as the three most prestigious youth football competitions in the world. The team remained unbeaten in 26 international matches, scoring an astonishing 295 goals while conceding just a handful, against youth clubs from South America, Europe, and more.

Minerva Academy FC, also a Khelo India Accredited Academy, was one of the six clubs from India that had teams in the U-14 Boys category playing during Gothia Cup 2025. They defeated Argentina’s Escuela de Football 18 Tucuman 4–0 this July in the final of the Gothia Cup 2025, known as the ‘Youth World Cup’, in Sweden.

Players like Konthoujam Yohenba Singh (Best Player, Gothia Cup) and Huidrom Tony (Best Player, Dana Cup) also earned individual honours.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some positive news about Indian sports! These young players have made the entire nation proud. Hope the government continues to support them with proper infrastructure and training facilities.
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Aman W
Beating Argentina 4-0 in the final? That's massive! Konthoujam and Huidrom - remember these names folks, they're going to be our future stars. 🏆
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Sarah B
As a football coach in Mumbai, I've been following their journey. The emphasis on sports science and mental resilience that Mandaviya mentioned is crucial. Hope other academies learn from Minerva's success model.
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Vikram M
Great achievement but let's not get carried away. We need to ensure these kids get proper support system to transition to senior level football. Too many young talents fade away in India due to lack of proper pathway.
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Nikhil C
Minerva Academy proving why they're one of the best! From Punjab to conquering Europe - what a story! 🥳 Hope ISL teams are watching and ready to nurture these talents.
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Kavya N
This is exactly what Indian football needs - exposure at international level from young age. Winning against European and South American teams builds confidence like nothing else. More such tours please!

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