Chandigarh: Mohali-based Minerva Public School, representing CISCE, were crowned champions of the 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament in the junior boys’ U-17 category after edging Kerala 3-2 in a thrilling final at the floodlit Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.In an end-to-end contest, Minerva held their nerve against a spirited Kerala side to lift the trophy after taking a decisive 3-1 lead in the second half.Azam strikes earlyMinerva began aggressively, pressing Kerala high up the pitch, and their early pressure paid off in the seventh minute. Mahesh beat his marker on the right flank and cut the ball back from the byline for Md Azam Khan, who curled a first-time strike into the bottom-left corner to put Minerva 1-0 ahead.Kerala responded strongly and caught Minerva on the counter to draw level. The rest of the first half turned into a closely contested battle, with defenders Chingkhei and Tony making crucial interventions as the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.Punshiba stunner, Azam brace seal titleMinerva stepped up the tempo after the break and regained the lead in the 39th minute through a spectacular strike from Punshiba Meitei. Picking up a loose clearance around 25 yards from goal, Punshiba unleashed a dipping right-footer that flew into the roof of the net.Seven minutes later, Minerva struck again. Yohenba delivered an inswinging corner from the left and Azam Khan rose above the Kerala defence at the far post to head home. His second goal of the match put Minerva 3-1 ahead and eventually proved decisive.Kerala, however, refused to give up and pulled one back in the closing stages to make it 3-2. Minerva then weathered a late spell of pressure, with goalkeeper Kh. Yoihenba making crucial interventions and the defence holding firm until the final whistle.Unbeaten runMinerva Public School, Mohali, produced an impressive unbeaten run at the tournament in New Delhi, winning all six matches on their way to the final.Minerva registered emphatic victories over Chhattisgarh (8-0), Jammu & Kashmir (7-0), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (11-0), Gujarat (4-0) and Chandigarh (8-1) before defeating Assam 3-0 in the semifinal on Sept 22.The team scored 41 goals in six matches, underlining its dominance through the tournament. Its run to the final was marked by consistent performances, strong teamwork and an impressive attacking display.Tournament began in 1960The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament is an annual inter-school football competition held in New Delhi. Named after Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, the first Indian Chief of Air Staff, the tournament began in 1960. It brings together champion school teams from across the country, besides teams from abroad.
