In football, defending champions Minerva Punjab kicked off their campaign by playing out a goal-less draw with Churchill Brothers in the I-League in Panchkula today.

The two sides split points at the end of 90 minutes. In the 90th minute, substitute Uttam Rai had a golden chance to win it for the away side but his volley went straight at the keeper.The match was characterised by many missed chances and a lack of imagination in attack.

Churchill Brothers gave a good account of themselves while Minerva showed glimpses of what they are capable of in the second half, but both teams failed to break the deadlock at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium.