Udaipur : Zinc Football Academy, a CSR initiative of Hindustan Zinc, has produced two more talented players for the country. Sixteen-year-olds Mohammed Kaif and Prem Hansdak from the Zawar-based academy have been selected for the India Under-17 squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Indonesia in Bali.
Centre-back Mohammed Kaif, born in Makrana, Rajasthan, to a humble family passionate about football, has previously represented India at the SAFF Under-16 Championship in 2023. He made history as the first player from Rajasthan in over 40 years to don the national jersey. Kaif is eager to use the upcoming friendlies as a platform to secure his spot in the national team for the SAFF Under-17 Championship, scheduled for September.
Striker Prem Hansdak, who had an outstanding campaign in the AIFF Under-17 Youth League last season, scoring 19 goals in just 12 matches, is excited for his international debut. Born to a farmer in Jharkhand and raised in West Bengal, Prem is determined to continue his scoring streak on the international stage.
The two friendlies are scheduled on August 25th and 27th in Bali, Indonesia.
Before Kaif and Prem, Zinc Football Academy had already seen success with goalkeeper Sahil Poonia and forward Ashish Mayla, who have both represented the country. Sahil was later signed by top Indian football club Bengaluru FC.
Zinc Football is a CSR initiative of Hindustan Zinc to usher in a footballing revolution in Rajasthan. It is a one-of-its-kind grassroots and youth development programme using football as a tool for social and community development and ensuring young kids have a platform to express themselves through football.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.