Udaipur, March 20 (Udaipur Kiran): Local football talent from Zawar has made a strong mark on the national stage as Zinc Football Academy (ZFA), a flagship social impact initiative of Hindustan Zinc, has qualified for the Final Round of the AIFF Under-18 Elite League 2025–26.
The qualification follows an impressive performance in the Zonal Round, where ZFA registered 11 wins in 14 matches, along with two draws and just one loss. The team remained unbeaten in all seven home matches, scoring 37 goals without conceding any. The zonal round, which began in November 2025, followed a home-and-away format.
Among the standout performers is Himesh Meena from Zawar, who has been part of the Academy for the past two years. After missing nearly four months due to an injury sustained during last season’s Final Round, he made a strong comeback this season. Playing mainly as a forward and occasionally in midfield, Himesh contributed with crucial goals, playmaking, and creating opportunities for teammates.
Two other emerging players from Zawar, Ritik Meena and Sahil Meena, also played key roles by making their first-team debuts during the Zonal Round. Ritik, a forward, and Sahil, a defender, began their journey through the Zinc Football Community Schools programme and progressed through the Academy’s development system.
Coming from modest backgrounds, the achievements of these players have brought pride to their families and the local community. Their growth highlights the impact of Hindustan Zinc’s football initiatives in nurturing grassroots talent and providing opportunities in the sport.
The Academy, established in 2018 and recognised as an AIFF 3-star rated institution, has consistently contributed players to India’s age-group teams. Players such as Sahil Poonia, Mohammed Kaif and Prem Hansdak have represented the country, while goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar recently featured for the India Under-17 national team.
Hindustan Zinc has been supporting sports for nearly four decades, starting with the establishment of a football stadium at Zawar in 1976. The company continues to promote multiple sports, including athletics, kabaddi and volleyball, while its initiatives have impacted nearly 30,000 lives.
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.
