Mohali:
Minerva Academy Football Club has once again reinforced its reputation as one of the country’s foremost talent developers, with two Minervans earning selection in the Indian Under-17 National Team. The latest call-ups underline Minerva’s sustained contribution to Indian football through its long-term, high-performance development programs.
KH Azlaan Shah, a proven international at the youth level, has retained his place in the India U-17 squad, further cementing his status as one of the most consistent performers in the age group. Azlaan is no stranger to the national stage, having already won two SAFF Championship titles with India and playing a key role in helping the country qualify for the historic AFC Asian Cup. A product of Minerva Academy FC’s World Cup Batch 2034, Azlaan has been part of the academy’s elite development program since its inception, growing into a mature, tactically intelligent, and battle-hardened international footballer.
Joining him in the national setup is Moosa Ashiq Sofi, who has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian Under-17 team following a string of commanding performances in the ongoing AIFF U-18 Elite Youth League. The 6-foot-tall central defender, hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, has been a rock at the back for Minerva Academy FC and has consistently been on the radar of national selectors. Moosa has played a pivotal role in Minerva’s domestic and international success in recent years, contributing to multiple title-winning campaigns and silverware across elite youth tournaments.
Moosa’s selection is a testament to Minerva’s ability to identify, nurture, and elevate talent from all corners of the country, providing equal opportunity and a clear pathway to the national team.
World Cup Batch Legacy & Minerva’s Vision
Minerva Academy FC’s World Cup Batch program has emerged as one of the most structured long-term development initiatives in Indian football. Over recent years, players from Minerva’s World Cup Batches have represented India across multiple age-group national teams, won international youth tournaments in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Transitioned successfully into elite domestic competitions and professional environments.
The World Cup Batch 2034, in particular, has been developed with a clear 10–12 year vision, focusing on technical excellence, game intelligence, physical conditioning, mental strength, education, and global exposure. Players in the batch undergo continuous Individual Development Plans (IDPs), elite strength & conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition support, and regular international competition.
Minerva Academy FC remains steadfast in its mission to build a complete football ecosystem for India, not just producing players, but shaping professionals who can compete at the highest level globally. The inclusion of Azlaan Shah and Moosa Ashiq Sofi in the Indian U-17 team is yet another milestone in that journey.
As Indian football looks to the future, Minerva Academy FC continues to play a decisive role in laying the foundation—one batch, one player, and one pathway at a time.