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Can India truly become a sporting nation beyond cricket?

Minerva Academy FC, a football academy based in Mohali, Punjab, has been winning junior championships across Europe despite severe financial struggles. Founded by Ranjit Bajaj, the academy recently competed in Spain’s prestigious MIC Cup, often called the “Junior World Cup.” Bajaj says the academy receives no government support, crowdfunded over ₹45 lakh for the Spain tour, and also mortgaged his wife’s gold jewellery to keep the players’ dreams alive.