Mankind Pharma Partners with Minerva Academy to Support Youth Football in India
Mumbai: Mankind Pharma has entered into a partnership with Minerva Academy Football Club to support youth football development in India. Under the agreement, the company’s logo will be displayed on the front and back of the jerseys worn by three of the academy’s age-group teams.
The branding will appear during matches played in India and overseas over the next year, including youth football tournaments in which the academy’s teams participate.
Founded in 2015 by Ranjit Bajaj, Minerva Academy has emerged as one of India’s grassroots football institutions. In 2025, the academy won the Gothia Cup in Sweden to become World Youth Champions. It has also produced more than 240 international players across different age groups.
The academy’s Under-12 team, representing India, recently won both the Gothia Cup B-12 2026 and the Helsinki Cup 2026. The academy continues to work towards its long-term “World Cup Batch 2034” initiative, aimed at helping India qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Commenting on the partnership, Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mankind Pharma, said the company believes sports play an important role in promoting discipline, teamwork, and ambition among young people, and that supporting youth football aligns with its broader commitment to the nation’s wellbeing.
Ranjit Bajaj, Founder and Director of Minerva Academy Football Club, said the partnership will help the academy provide players with opportunities to train, travel, and compete at the highest level while continuing its efforts to develop Indian football talent.
The collaboration marks a partnership between the pharmaceutical company and the football academy as Minerva continues its grassroots development programmes and international participation in youth football competitions.
