2017 IFA Shield

The 2017 IFA Shield was the 121st edition of the prestigious annual football tournament, held in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Established in 1893, the IFA Shield is one of the oldest football competitions in the world, organized by the Indian Football Association (IFA). The tournament took place from March 14 to March 25, 2017, featuring clubs from across India and foreign teams. In this edition, the tournament returned to its knockout format after previously adopting a group stage. The final was contested at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, where Minerva Punjab FC emerged victorious, claiming their first IFA Shield title by defeating Mohammedan SC. The tournament showcased the rich footballing heritage of India and highlighted the growing competitiveness of regional clubs.