### Zinc Football Academy Crowned State Champions, Qualifies for I-League 3

Udaipur: Zinc Football Academy, an initiative of Hindustan Zinc (NSE: HINDZINC), has clinched the 2024-25 Rajasthan League Senior Men’s A-Division title, marking its second championship in just four years. The academy’s success has also secured it a nomination for the prestigious I-League 3, India's fourth-tier professional football league.

With an average age of just 18.3 years, the youngest team in the competition stood tall among 10 contenders across the state. ZFA registered 16 wins out of 20 matches, remained unbeaten in 13 consecutive games, scored 70 goals, and conceded only six, securing 16 clean sheets—a testament to their prowess at both ends of the pitch.

Haryana’s Karan Beniwal emerged as the academy’s top scorer with 16 goals, followed closely by Ashish with 12. In total, 17 players contributed to the goal tally, showcasing the team’s depth and attacking strength.

Founded in 2017 and based in Zawar, Zinc Football Academy has trained over 5,000 young talents, becoming a beacon of hope for rural footballers across India. Notable alumni such as Mohammed Kaif, Prem Hansdak, Sahil Poonia, and Ashish Mayla have gone on to represent India on international platforms.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “This victory reflects Hindustan Zinc’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment through sports. Our aim is to shape tomorrow’s champions by nurturing raw talent from the grassroots level.”

The Rajasthan Football Association (RFA), which organized the two-month home-and-away league beginning in April, will now recommend ZFA for I-League 3. RFA Secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat praised the academy, saying, “These young players represent the bright future of Indian football. Their fearless performance speaks volumes about their training and determination.”

Supported by The Football Link as its strategy and implementation partner, Hindustan Zinc continues to drive social transformation through sports. Alongside football, the company supports athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball at the grassroots level. Its flagship event, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, has further positioned Udaipur as a center for fitness tourism.

Through these initiatives, Hindustan Zinc has touched nearly 30,000 lives, reaffirming its position among India’s Top 10 social impact companies and its commitment to holistic community development.