Mankind Pharma, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has partnered with Minerva Academy Football Club to support and promote the sport of football in the country.
As part of the agreement, Mankind Pharma’s logo will feature on the front and back of jerseys for three of the academy’s age-group teams. The teams will wear the company’s logo in matches carried out both in India and abroad throughout the year, providing the collaboration with exposure in some of the most competitive young events in the world.
Minerva Academy, established in 2015 by Ranjit Bajaj, has emerged as one of India’s most successful grassroots football schools. The academy was awarded World Youth Champions in 2025 in the Gothia Cup in Sweden, and it has produced over 240 internationals of all ages. The Minerva Academy U-12 squad, representing India, continued its winning streak by winning the Gothia Cup B-12 in 2026 and the Helsinki Cup in 2026. Its effort is driven by the lofty “World Cup Batch 2034” goal of assisting India in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mankind Pharma, commented, “At Mankind Pharma, our purpose has always extended beyond medicine to the wellbeing of the nation. Football builds discipline, teamwork and ambition in our young people, and Minerva Academy has shown the world what Indian talent can achieve. We are proud to stand behind these teams as they carry the country’s hopes onto the global stage.”
Ranjit Bajaj, Founder and Director, Minerva Academy FC, said, “This backing from Mankind Pharma comes at a defining moment for Indian football. Support from a homegrown leader allows our players to train, travel and compete with the very best, and brings us one step closer to our dream of seeing India at the FIFA World Cup. We are grateful for their belief in our young footballers.”
Mankind Pharma’s funding for Minerva Academy demonstrates its dedication to promoting sports excellence outside of cricket. While cricket is extremely popular in India, football is one of the world’s most popular sports, inspiring millions throughout the world. Mankind Pharma’s cooperation seeks to promote young footballers, inspire children and youngsters to pursue a career in the sport, and contribute to the growth of football in India by expanding chances for rising talent.
