Punjab announce new partnership with Minerva Football Academy

Punjab joins forces with Minerva Punjab Academy to boost football talent.

The Punjab Sports Department has proudly announced a landmark partnership with Minerva Football Academy’s Delhi FC, ushering in a new era of football development in the state. This strategic collaboration brings 12 I-League matches to Mahilpur’s newly constructed, state-of-the-art sports stadium from December 19, 2024, to April 2025.

Some key Highlights include:

1. Grassroots Development: Partnership fosters growth, development, and youth empowerment in Punjab’s football ecosystem.

2. Football Legacy: Mahilpur’s rich football heritage, dating back to the pre-independence era, is revitalized.

3. Academy Launch: Minerva Academy FC to establish a football academy in Mahilpur, nurturing young talent.

Mahilpur, also known as the “Mecca & Nursery of Indian Football” Has a rich football legacy dating back to the pre-independence era and this initiative brings Mahilpur back to the National Arena.

Mr. Ranjit Bajaj, Director of Minerva Academy, said that football fans in the state are extremely happy with this development, and thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Sports Department for their support.

Mahilpur has been a football-loving region of Punjab ever since and has produced numerous legendary players throughout the history of the Nation.

Former Indian footballers, like Arjuna Award Winner Jarnail Singh Dhillon, who was a part of India’s 1962 Asian Games Gold winning team, Arjuna Awardee Inder Singh, and Arjuna Award winner Gurdev Singh and more, came up from Mahilpur.

“We are thrilled to partner with Minerva Football Academy’s Delhi FC, promoting football excellence in Punjab,” said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “This collaboration strengthens our sports ecosystem, empowering young athletes.”

“Mahilpur’s football legacy and our government’s commitment to sports development make this partnership a perfect synergy,” added Director Sports Harpreet Singh Sudan.

The Punjab government extends heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann, Harpreet Singh Sudan, Dr. SP Anandh Kumar, and Sarvjit Singh for entrusting Minerva Football Academy with the iconic Mahilpur Football Stadium.

Amongst some notable tournaments, Mahilpur hosts the Mahilpur Football league and Principal Harbhajan Singh Memorial Football Tournament. But now finally the region has got its chance to witness and host the I-League, as Delhi FC will play their home matches at the new stadium starting from December 19, facing Shillong Lajong FC.

Mahilpur also boasts an impressive football heritage, with Minerva Academy producing 13 renowned players, including Bali Gagandeep, Baljit Singh Sahni, Amandeep Singh, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Balwant Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Sukhdev Singh and Anwar Ali, despite of not yet having a base at Mahilpur, which now will foster more talents from the region. This partnership promises to create opportunities for young players, fueling dreams and building futures.

Minerva Academy FC will launch a football academy in Mahilpur, providing world-class training facilities and expert coaching to budding footballers. This initiative reinforces Punjab’s commitment to nurturing talent and upholding its sports legacy.

Punjab’s dedication to sports development is evident in:

1. Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan (2022): A grassroots sports festival engaging over 445,070 participants across various age categories and sports.

2. Para Athletes Initiative: Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan organized for Para Athletes.

The partnership strengthens Punjab’s sports ecosystem, empowering young athletes and revitalizing Mahilpur’s rich football legacy, which dates back to the pre-independence era.

The Punjab government extends heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann, Harpreet Singh Sudan, Dr. SP Anandh Kumar, and Sarvjit Singh for entrusting Minerva Football Academy with the iconic Mahilpur Football Stadium. This decision sparks growth and development for players throughout the region.

This initiative reinforces Punjab’s commitment to nurturing talent and upholding its sports legacy.

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