In a significant administrative move, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to name Ranjit Bajaj, the owner of Minerva Football Academy, as the official team manager for the India U15 national football team. Bajaj was finalized as the delegation head of the Indian contingent for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, which will be held in Azerbaijan in October, at a meeting of the executive committee at Football House, New Delhi.
Besides Bajaj as the team manager, the AIFF brass decided to hand over the reins of on-field operations in the form of the head coach role to experienced football strategist Bibiano Fernandes. The move is seen as a high-profile selection to capitalize on Bajaj’s vast experience as a young football developer and grassroots administrator as India prepares to compete among the best in the world.
🚨 BIG BREAKING NEWS – OFFICIAL 🇮🇳
Ranjit Bajaj has been appointed by AIFF as the Team Manager of the India U-15 Men’s National Team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan. https://t.co/kAFV2NTPst pic.twitter.com/ZUXw60KFxg
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) August 6, 2026
Strategic Administrative Revamp Ahead Of Inaugural World Cup In Azerbaijan
The decision to appoint Ranjit Bajaj as team manager reflects a concerted effort by Indian football administrators to strengthen youth development structures following recent continental setbacks. As the founder of Minerva Academy, Bajaj has produced dozens of international players and secured multiple national youth titles, establishing one of the most successful grassroots setups in the country.
Working closely with head coach Bibiano Fernandes, Bajaj will manage logistics, player motivation, and squad discipline for the 20-member national contingent during the ten-day global event in Baku.
Governing Body Approves Delegation Regulations For Global Festival
Under the official regulations established for the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, national associations are restricted to a total contingent of 20 individuals, comprising 14 players and six official staff members. The technical committee emphasized that bringing together Bajaj’s administrative vision and Fernandes’ tactical pedigree offers young athletes optimal guidance on the international stage.
With preparations accelerating rapidly ahead of the October tournament, the Indian contingent will assemble for intensive training camps designed to maximize physical readiness and squad cohesion before embarking on their campaign in Azerbaijan.
