Zinc Football Academy Concludes AIFF Zinc Blue Cubs League 2024-25 with Resounding Success
Udaipur, India — March 30, 2025 — Hindustan Zinc’s premier grassroots initiative, Zinc Football Academy, successfully concluded the second edition of the AIFF Zinc Blue Cubs League 2024-25, reinforcing its mission of nurturing young footballing talent in India. The three-month league, held from November to February, saw participation from over 150 budding footballers across three age categories—Under-8, Under-10, and Under-12—with more than 200 matches played across the duration of the event.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
Organised under the flagship CSR program of Hindustan Zinc, Zinc Football, the league provided young boys and girls from local communities a high-quality platform to showcase their footballing skills. The league aims to foster confidence, leadership, and community development through sport while creating pathways for professional growth.
Standout players from the Under-12 category are now being scouted for the Under-13 Zinc Football Academy team, thereby strengthening the academy’s elite player pipeline.
Voices from the Closing Ceremony
The grand finale was attended by dignitaries including Harbans Thakur, Principal, DAV HZL School Zawar Mines; Tarun Roy, Head Coach, Zinc Football Academy; and Aakash Narula, CEO, Vedanta Zinc Football and Sports Foundation. Speaking at the event, Ram Murari, IBU CEO – Zawar Group of Mines, Hindustan Zinc, said:
“The AIFF Zinc Blue Cubs League reflects our commitment to empower rural youth with access to professional sports training. Through Zinc Football, we aim to cultivate character and leadership, shaping the next generation of football stars from India’s heartland.”
Champions & Top Scorers
Under-8
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Champion: DAV HZL School, Zawar Mines
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Top Scorer: Nishpal Das (18 goals)
Under-10
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Champion: Spectrum Football Academy
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Top Scorer: Udit Raj (14 goals)
Under-12
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Champion: Lucky Football Club, Zawar Mines
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Top Scorer: Elisha Das (12 goals)
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Zinc Football Academy, an AIFF-accredited and 3-star-rated facility based in Zawar, Udaipur, has already contributed significantly to Indian football. Players like Mohammed Kaif, Prem Hansdak, Sahil Poonia, and Ashish Mayla have emerged from its ranks to represent India internationally.
The academy forms part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader commitment to sports, health, and community development. Other initiatives include support for athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball, as well as the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, now a fixture in India’s running calendar.
With over 30,000 lives impacted through various sporting initiatives, Hindustan Zinc continues to be a frontrunner in social empowerment and grassroots sports excellence.
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.
