In a monumental first, the town of Mahilpur in Punjab—long known as the “football nursery” of the region—will host I-League matches this season. This announcement brings an unprecedented spotlight to the place that has produced several of India’s football legends, such as Jarnail Singh Dhillon, Inder Singh, and Gurdev Singh, as well as current national stars like Amrinder Singh, Manvir Singh, and Anwar Ali. This exciting move by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) not only marks Mahilpur’s debut on India’s professional football circuit but also promises to deepen the town’s legendary footballing roots.
On December 19, Delhi FC will play their first home match at the newly built sports stadium in Mahilpur, a facility born from a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Punjab government and Delhi FC, backed by the Minerva Football Academy in Mohali. With this inaugural game against SC Bengaluru, Mahilpur will step into a new era, showcasing India’s second-tier professional league—just below the Indian Super League (ISL)—and giving local fans a chance to witness high-level football up close.
Ranjit Bajaj, owner of Delhi FC, sees the occasion as a milestone not only for the club but for the entire football community in Punjab. Reflecting on the club’s roots and past achievements, Bajaj shared his pride in having previously brought the I-League title to Punjab when Minerva FC, now renamed Punjab FC, played and won in Panchkula. Now, Mahilpur’s emergence as a host venue adds a new chapter to Punjab’s football story. “The current Indian football team players—Amrinder Singh, Manvir Singh, and Anwar Ali—have reached international standards after developing their skills in Mahilpur. I-League matches here will inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps,” he said.
Mahilpur has long held a unique position in Indian football. Located in Hoshiarpur district, it is a football-mad town whose legacy includes legendary players like 1962 Asian Games gold medalist Jarnail Singh Dhillon, Arjuna awardee Inder Singh, and the renowned Gurdev Singh Gill. While the town has previously hosted popular local events, such as the Mahilpur Football League and the Principal Harbhajan Singh Memorial Football Tournament, the arrival of professional league matches is a game-changer. Delhi FC plans to play all 12 of their home matches at the new stadium, an opportunity that Bajaj believes will add to the town’s historical significance in Indian football.
As part of the MoU, Delhi FC is also committed to supporting local talent. “Our goal is to nurture more international players from Mahilpur,” said Bajaj. “Through this partnership, we’ll be offering scholarships exceeding one crore rupees to the most promising players. We are grateful to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh for his efforts in restoring the stadium and for his support in making this vision a reality.”
Amrinder Singh, goalkeeper for both Odisha FC and the Indian national team, expressed excitement over his hometown’s new role. Hailing from Namolian, a village near Mahilpur, Amrinder counts this development as a significant leap for the region. “Growing up, we would often hear stories of Jarnail Singh Dhillon and Inder Singh while training at the Paldi Football Academy. This is a tremendous moment for Punjab football, and I’ve shared the news with my teammates in the national squad. Everyone is thrilled for Mahilpur,” he said.
Anwar Ali, another star of Indian football, recalled his early days at the Mahilpur Football Academy, which became his first home away from his village in Adampur. His journey through the I-League was a stepping stone to the national team, and he hopes to see more young players emerge from Mahilpur and nearby areas, inspired by this new access to professional-level football.
Fellow team member Manvir Singh, who hails from Duhre near Adampur, sees the decision as a win for the entire football community. “Mahilpur has a rich history, and playing junior football there shaped my early years. This initiative will inspire countless young players across Punjab and India,” he noted.
With this historic milestone, Mahilpur is set to further its reputation as a breeding ground for Indian football talent. The excitement building around the I-League matches will not only put Mahilpur on India’s professional football map but will also serve as a powerful motivator for young talent to dream bigger and aim higher. As Punjab’s football nursery welcomes professional league matches for the first time, it lays the groundwork for a new generation of players to carry forward Mahilpur’s remarkable legacy in Indian football.