Udaipur, May 24: On the occasion of World Football Day, Hindustan Zinc‘s Zink Football Academy (ZFA) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the development and advancement of football in India. Celebrating the transformative power of football in shaping young lives, ZFA has positively impacted over 1,400 young boys and girls in the past year, nurturing grassroots talent and realizing India’s football aspirations.
This season has proven to be a milestone in ZFA’s journey. The academy won the Rajasthan State Men’s League title for the third time, a remarkable achievement accomplished with one of the youngest teams in the competition, highlighting its strong growth trajectory. At the national level, ZFA’s Under-18 team emerged as runners-up in the AIFF Under-18 Elite League, establishing itself as the second-best Under-18 team in India. Additionally, ZFA made its debut in the I-League 3, one of the top tiers of Indian football.
The girls’ team also showcased exceptional performance within just a year of its inception, clinching titles in the Doon Cup, DAV Under-19 National, and Asmita Football League, and currently leading the points table in the ongoing Rajasthan Senior Women’s League, reflecting the rapid growth of women’s football at ZFA.
Inspired by the core principle that “Football makes dreams come true. Zink Football Academy builds the future,” ZFA has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a professional football system. With a special focus on holistic development, the academy prepares the next generation of Indian footballers by combining world-class infrastructure, streamlined coaching methodologies, and technology-based performance analysis.
Beyond the playing field, the academy promotes a true student-athlete model, ensuring that each player’s education is prioritized, all based on full scholarships.
Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFF 3-star rated Graham Football Academy has consistently developed players for India’s age groups, strengthening the talent pool of the country. Recently, the academy launched India’s first residential football academy for girls, with 20 players from rural backgrounds.
Trained at the academy, Mohammad Kaif became the first player to represent India from Rajasthan in over 40 years. This historic achievement underscores the strength of ZFA’s development program. He stated, “I will always be grateful to Hindustan Zinc and Zink Football. My seven years spent under top coaches at the world-class facility in Zawar played a crucial role in shaping my career.”
From the women’s side, local girl Geet Meena represents the grassroots success story of the academy. She began her journey at Zink Football Community Schools and later secured a spot in ZFA’s first girls’ batch through trials. Along with her, four other girls from Zawar—Meenu Kumari Meena, Bindiya Meena, Manisha Patel, and Savita Kalbeliya—have also made their mark, showcasing the academy’s deep impact on the community and its commitment to nurturing local talent. Geet expressed, “We are grateful to Hindustan Zinc for giving us this platform to showcase our talent. It feels special to see our families proud and to inspire many children in our community that girls can dream too. This is just the beginning. We want to represent India.”
ZFA has emerged as a prestigious institution in youth football, consistently excelling in national competitions like the AIFF Youth League. The academy’s growing reputation is reflected in the success stories of players like Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Rajroop Sarkar, who have represented India across various age groups.
At the heart of this journey lies a commitment to inclusivity and opportunities. Zink Football Academy actively promotes participation in football for talented girls from rural and marginalized communities, opening doors for them. By providing a professional training environment and competitive experiences, ZFA continues to bridge the gap between talent and national aspirations.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, is advancing its vision of holistic community development through various social interventions and community development initiatives. Focused on promoting education, skill development, enabling sustainable livelihoods, empowering women, strengthening healthcare, and environmental conservation, Hindustan Zinc positively impacts the lives of over 2.6 million people across more than 4,100 villages, fully committed to inclusive growth and long-term social impact. Supported by The Football Link as a strategy and implementation partner, the academy demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the improvement of both Rajasthan and Indian football. It has promoted sports for nearly five decades, starting from its football stadium in Zawar in 1976, where annual national football tournaments continue to be held. In addition to football, the company nurtures grassroots talent in athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball. Its Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has also placed Udaipur on the global running map.