Minerva Punjab presented with Hero I-League trophy

Hero I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC were presented with the winner's trophy at a glittering function here today.

In a tightly fought tournament, Minerva Punjab FC reigned supreme to bring the Hero I-League trophy to the Northern part of India after a prolonged wait of 21 years.

Minerva's impressive run earned them accolades from all quarters, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who wrote to All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel and congratulated the team for their recent success.

In a letter to Patel, Infantino said: "It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest congratulations to Minerva Punjab FC for their first ever title, becoming the first team from North India to win the crown jewel of Indian Football after 21 years."
"On behalf of the entire football community, I would like to thank Minerva Punjab FC and your federation for helping to spread the positive message of football."
Dhar said: "Minerva Punjab FC's win is a landmark for Indian Football, let alone the club itself. Their success rightly showed that proper planning and investment in youth development can help a club reach the summit."
Meanwhile, the individual awardees' names were also announced today. They are as follows: Best Goalkeeper: Shilton Paul (Mohun Bagan), Jarnail Singh Award for Best Defender: Varney K Kallon (NEROCA FC), Best Midfielder: Soosairaj Michael (Chennai City FC), Best Forward: Chencho Gyeltshen (Minerva Punjab FC), Highest Scorer: Dipanda Dicka (Mohun Bagan)