Udaipur, June 3 — In a remarkable display of youth, talent, and discipline, Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) has been crowned Champions of the Rajasthan League Senior Men’s A-Division 2024-25, securing a coveted qualification for I-League 3, the fourth tier of Indian football. This marks the academy’s second league title in four years, further cementing its place as a rising force in Indian grassroots football.
Dominance on the Pitch
Based in Zawar, Udaipur, ZFA fielded the youngest squad in the league, with an average age of just 18.3 years. Over the course of 20 matches, the academy amassed 16 wins, scored 70 goals, and conceded only six — a testament to their clinical attack and rock-solid defense. They also enjoyed a 13-match unbeaten streak and maintained an impressive 16 clean sheets.
Leading the offensive line was Karan Beniwal, the prolific striker from Haryana, who ended the season as ZFA’s top scorer with 16 goals. Teammate Ashish followed closely with 12 goals, while a total of 17 players scored during the season, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.
A Legacy of Nurturing Talent
Founded in 2017 by Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, the AIFF 3-star accredited academy has trained over 5,000 young players, many from rural and tribal areas of Rajasthan. Alumni like Mohammed Kaif, Prem Hansdak, Sahil Poonia, and Ashish Mayla have already worn the Indian jersey, reflecting the academy’s ability to nurture talent for the national stage.
Commenting on the historic win, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, said:
“This victory is more than just a trophy — it’s a validation of our long-term commitment to empowering youth through sports. We are proud to see players, many of whom joined us as children in 2018, now emerging as leaders on the field. Zinc Football Academy is not just building footballers, but responsible, confident young citizens of India.”
A Launchpad for National Exposure
The Rajasthan League, organised by the Rajasthan Football Association (RFA), followed a competitive home-and-away format over two months beginning in April. With this title, ZFA has been nominated to represent Rajasthan in I-League 3, offering the players a critical stepping stone to professional football in India.
Dilip Singh Shekhawat, Secretary of RFA, lauded the academy’s performance:
“ZFA’s triumph highlights the success of focused grassroots development. These young players are the future of football in Rajasthan and India. We’re confident they will shine even brighter at the national level.”
A Broader Commitment to Grassroots Excellence
Hindustan Zinc, ranked among India’s top 10 social impact companies, supports the academy in partnership with The Football Link, a leading strategic sports organization. Beyond football, the company also promotes grassroots development in athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball.
Their flagship event — the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon — has turned Udaipur into a fitness and tourism hotspot, bringing global attention to the city and reinforcing a culture of wellness and active living.
Through these holistic initiatives, Hindustan Zinc has impacted over 30,000 lives, blending sports, health, and education to drive social transformation and youth empowerment across Rajasthan.
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.