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Key Points

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya personally honored the young footballers from Minerva Academy for their historic European achievements. The U-14/15 squad created history by winning three prestigious international tournaments across Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Mandaviya called this triumph a new beginning for Indian football's international aspirations. The minister emphasized the importance of sports science and maintaining the players' high confidence levels for future success.

Key Points: Mansukh Mandaviya Hails Minerva Academy European Treble Footballers

  • Minerva Academy U-14/15 squad won Gothia Cup, Dana Cup, and Norway Cup
  • Team remained unbeaten in 26 international matches scoring 295 goals
  • Minister emphasized sports science and mental resilience for youth
  • Players earned individual honors like Best Player awards
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Mansukh Mandaviya felicitates young footballers after historic European treble; calls it new beginning for football in India

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitates Minerva Academy's U-14/15 squad after historic European treble wins in Sweden, Denmark & Norway.

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

New Delhi, August 28

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, 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.

New Delhi [India], August 28 (ANI): Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, 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 by completing a never-before-achieved European treble, winning the Gothia Cup (Sweden), the Dana Cup (Denmark), and the Norway Cup (Norway), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said.

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

The 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some positive news about Indian football! These young players have made the entire nation proud. The government should ensure they get scholarships and proper training facilities to nurture their talent.
A
Aditya G
Beating Argentina 4-0 in the final? That's massive! Konthoujam Yohenba and Huidrom Tony - remember these names. They could be our future Sunil Chhetris! 🥳
S
Sarah B
While this is fantastic news, I hope the government follows through with the sports science and mental resilience support mentioned. Too often we celebrate achievements but don't provide sustained support.
K
Karthik V
Minerva Academy doing amazing work from Punjab! Shows that football talent exists across India, not just in traditional hotspots. More such academies needed in every state.
M
Michael C
Winning all three major European youth tournaments is unbelievable! These kids have shown what Indian football can achieve with proper training and exposure. Hope this inspires more youngsters to take up football.

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