Minerva Public School clinches 62nd Subroto Cup (Sub-Junior Boys) title
In a heart-stopping encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Minerva Public School of Mohali emerged triumphant as the champions of the 62nd Subroto Cup Sub-Junior Boys (U-14 category). The victory came in the final moments of the match against a spirited Chawngfianga School from Mizoram, marking Minerva’s maiden Subroto Cup Trophy win.
Player of the day, MD Azam Khan, soared above the opposition’s defence to score a mesmerizing header in the dying minutes of the game, securing the coveted trophy for Minerva Public School. He helped his team win the prestigious Subroto Cup trophy for which he celebrated in immense fashion that got him a yellow card as well.
Mountain Echo is now on WhatsApp Channel. Please join us there.
The much-anticipated final got off to an electrifying start as both teams quickly found their rhythm. Chawngfianga School, hailing from the northeastern state of Mizoram, launched daring attacks that kept Minerva’s goalkeeper, Thokchom, on high alert. The Mizo attackers came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the first quarter, putting immense pressure on their opponents.
However, after the initial period, Minerva Public School regrouped and attempted to gain control of the midfield, probing for opportunities in Chawngfianga School’s final third. The first half, though intense, concluded without either team managing to find the back of the net.
🏆CISCE secures Sub Junior Boys (U-14) Championship with a 1-0 victory over Mizoram
Our distinguished Chief guests, Air Marshal R Radhish AVSM VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal SK Indoria AVSM VM, SASO Training Command, added grace to this win pic.twitter.com/oVi8sxjOdm— Subroto Cup Official (@CupSubroto) October 10, 2023
The second half of the match saw both sides intensify their efforts to dominate the midfield and create scoring opportunities. Chawngfianga School earned a crucial corner, and Isak Lalmalsawma came inches away from giving his team the lead, but his header missed the target. Isak continued to pose a threat to Minerva’s defence but could not capitalize on his chances.
Meanwhile, Minerva Public School launched constructive attacks from the wings, relentlessly pressuring Chawngfianga’s defence. A gripping midfield battle ensued between Vanlalmuana and Malsom Tuboi, with both teams vying for control.
As the clock ticked down and the tension in the stadium reached a fever pitch, it was Minerva Public School’s Azam Khan who delivered the match-winning moment. With steely determination, Azam Khan leaped high above the defenders and connected perfectly with a cross to score the decisive goal, sealing the championship for his team.
Azam Khan’s performance, skills, determination and ability to seize the moment were outstanding. His solitary goal not only brought glory to Minerva Public School but also marked a significant achievement for the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and brought the Subroto Cup home to Punjab for the first time.
