"Congratulations Minerva Punjab Football Club on winning the Hero I-League 2017-18 and gaining a spot in the ACL Qualifiers for the next season. The League has been a very competitive and exciting one and it was nice to see four teams having a chance to win it on the final day," Patel was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the All India Football Federation.
Minerva defeated Churchill Brothers 1-0 in their final match in Panchkula today to finish on 35 points and emerge champions for the first time.
"Well played Minerva Punjab Football Club, the deserving champions of the Hero I-League. The manner in which you sealed it is in itself a story. I trust the victory will encourage kids to follow and play the sport more," he said.
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