Latest news with #GothiaCup2025


United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Gothia Cup winning Indian team felicitated
New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) Special Olympics Bharat hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony today to honour the outstanding performance of the Indian football teams at the recently concluded Gothia Cup 2025, held in Gothenburg, Sweden. The ceremony was graced by President of Special Olympics Bharat Dr. Mallika Nadda and Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse along with support from SKF, Special Olympics Bharat Boys' Team and the Haryana U-15 Girls' Team were selected to represent India at the 2025 Gothia Cup, which also completed 50 years of its inception in this edition. The Special Olympics Bharat boys' team defended their title with unmatched resolve, emerging Gothia Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Their journey was a powerful display of confidence, camaraderie, and rising above limits- qualities that define not just the team, but the inclusive movement they represent. India lifted the 2025 Gothia Cup after dominating the final and defeating Poland by 3-1. Ankush Kumar (8', 14') scored a brace and Saheer Muhammad (29') scored a goal as well, emerging as the stars in the final for India. Saheer also emerged as the top goalscorer for India, recording a total of 7 goals while Ankush and Stalin Kumar followed with 3 and 2 goals respectively. Raksha Khadse, Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, said, 'These young athletes have reminded us of what India truly stands for- unyielding courage, quiet determination and the unstoppable strength of unity. Watching them not just participate, but rise as champions and changemakers on a global platform, stirs pride in every Indian heart. Their journey is more than a victory — it is a powerful reflection of the India we believe in, where every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves the chance to shine.' 'The back-to-back triumph of SO Bharat athletes on global stage is a beacon of perseverance and their fierce and fearless performance is a testament to their confidence and capability to lead. This is not just a celebration. It is a call to action- to invest, include, and believe,' said Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat. UNI RKM


Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Gothia Cup 2025: Minerva Academy storms into knockouts with 32 goals in group stage
1 2 Chandigarh: Minerva Academy FC announced its arrival on the world stage with a breathtaking group stage performance at the prestigious Gothia Cup 2025, netting a staggering 32 goals in three matches. The Chandigarh-based team sealed their spot in the knockout rounds with back-to-back one-sided victories over Swedish outfits LB07 and Stensätra IF, scoring 25 goals in just those two matches. In their second group fixture, Minerva ran riot against Malmö's well-known LB07 club, cruising to a 13–0 victory. From the opening whistle, Minerva pressed high and dominated possession. Raj scored the first goal in the 9th minute, followed by a series of goals from Denamoni (17', 19'), Azam Khan (19', 30'), Yohemba (21', 27'), Rhythm (32'), and Chetan T (37'). Their final group clash against Stensätra IF was no different. Chetan T struck within the first minute, setting the tone for another goal-fest. Azam Khan completed a stunning hat-trick (2', 9', 38'), while Raj (3', 14'), Rhythm (4'), K Chetan (11'), Punshiba (15'), Yohemba (19') and Amarson (25') all got on the scoresheet to complete a 12–0. Minerva topped their group with three wins, 32 goals scored, and only one goal conceded. Their attacking flair, defence, and seamless team coordination have turned heads in Gothenburg, Sweden — where 1,940 teams from 76 countries are competing for glory in what is considered one of the world's biggest youth football tournament.


Hans India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Gothia Cup: Minerva reached the knockouts by scoring 25 goals in two matches
New Delhi: Minerva Academy FC's attack continues and the team has made it to the knockouts by performing brilliantly in the Gothia Cup 2025. In the last two matches of the group stage, the team defeated Sweden's LB07 and Stensätra IF in a one-sided manner. A total of 25 goals were scored in both the matches, not conceding a single goal. Topped the group by scoring 32 goals in three matches. In the second group match, Minerva faced Malmo's famous club LB07. From the beginning of the match, the Indian team played aggressively. Raj scored the first goal in the 9th minute. They did not stop and kept attacking. They scored three goals in the 22nd, 33rd and 39th minutes and registered a total of four goals in the scoresheet. Denamoni scored two goals in the 17th and 19th minutes. Azam Khan scored two goals in the 19th and 30th minutes. Yohemba added two goals in the 21st and 27th minutes. Rhythm scored in the 32nd and Chetan T. scored in the 37th minute. Minerva Academy won the match 13–0. In the third and last group match, Team Minerva defeated Stensätra IF 12–0. The first goal was scored by Chetan T. in the very first minute. Azam completed a hat-trick in the 2nd, 9th and 38th minutes. Raj scored two goals in the 3rd and 14th minutes. Rhythm scored in the 4th, K. Chetan in the 11th, Punshiba in the 15th, Yohemba in the 19th and Amarson in the 25th minute. Minerva won all three group matches. A total of 32 goals were scored, conceding only one goal. Every player contributed in goals, assists and defense. The team's aggression, coordination and confidence surprised the audience and opponents. The Gothia Cup is considered the world's largest and most prestigious youth football tournament. This time 1943 teams from 76 countries are playing in it. Minerva's performance in such a big tournament is an indication of the strength of Indian football.


India Gazette
10-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Special Olympics Bharat president Mallika Nadda speaks on India's participation in Gothia Cup 2025
New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): Special Olympics Bharat president Dr Mallika Nadda spoke on India's participation in the Gothia Cup 2025, being held at Sweden, the world's largest youth football tournament, saying that the SOB team and an under-15 Haryana women's team will be featuring in the tournament. The tournament is the world's largest youth football tournament, which witnesses participation from around 1,900 teams and 75 nations, playing almost 5,000 games on 112 pitches, as per the tournament's website. The first-ever tournament was held back in 1975 and was kick-started by football clubs BK Hacken and GAIS, and a local newspaper. This year, from July 13 to 19, it will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden. Speaking on India's participation, Nadda said to the media, 'The Gothia Cup 2025 is being organised in Sweden, where 70 countries from around the world will participate, and approximately 1,900 teams will assemble to play football. The Special Olympics Bharat and the Haryana girls' under-15 team are leaving today for Sweden to participate in the tournament.' On the participation of the Indian contingent, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Jan Thesleff, said to media, 'We are sending two teams to the Gothia Cup 2025, the world's largest youth football tournament. Over 40,000 athletes and 1,950 teams from more than 70 countries will participate. We are proud that India is well represented. One team is from Haryana, the girls' under-15 team, in which many players are travelling abroad for the first time. They have demonstrated their skills for this tournament. We also have a Special Olympics Bharat team, which is competing for the second time after winning in 2024, and we are proud to send champions again...' Back in 2023, Minerva Academy FC made history as it became the first-ever Indian club to clinch the Gothia Cup, being held in Sweden, defeating Ordin FC, a Brazilian side. Minerva beat Ordin by 3-1 in the Boys 13 category. Last year, the SO Bharat team was placed in Group 5 along with Parasport Denmark 2, Special Olympics Finland Mixed, Special Olympics Hong Kong, and Special Olympics Germany 1. SO Bharat won their opening group game against SO Finland 3-0, and then followed it up with a big win of 6-0 against SO Germany. The Indian contingent won over Hong Kong by 6-0 in Match 3, and then followed it up with another big win by 3-1 against SO Denmark to make it into the Final. The nail-biting group final between SO Bharat and SO Denmark went right down to the wire, but SO Bharat athletes won the thriller with a score of 4-3 to lift the trophy. Muhammad Shaheer, who hails from Kerala, scored seven goals, the maximum by any Indian player. Shaheer, a son of fisherman, has an Intellectual disability and nurtures a passion for football along with other sports, including cycling and swimming. (ANI)