Udaipur – Bringing a surge of pride to Rajasthan and the nation, two rising talents from Hindustan Zinc’s Zinc Football Academy, Mohammed Kaif and Prem Hansdak, have been selected to represent India in the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Their remarkable journey, shaped by dedication, resilience, and the Academy’s nurturing, underscores the emergence of Zinc Football Academy as a powerhouse in developing India’s future football stars.
Kaif’s Stellar Performance Lights Up the Field
Sixteen-year-old Mohammed Kaif, a defender from Rajasthan, marked a career highlight with his third international goal as he helped India dominate Brunei in an impressive 13-0 victory, followed by a 1-0 win over Turkmenistan. Kaif, who has been training at Zinc Football Academy since 2018, was instrumental in India’s triumph at the SAFF Cup earlier this year, and now, his solid defense has contributed to two consecutive clean sheets in Thailand.
Kaif’s achievements are particularly poignant for Rajasthan, where local football talent has long awaited recognition on the international stage. With his exceptional defensive skills and game sense, Kaif symbolizes the potential that the Zinc Football Academy aims to unlock in young players across the state.
Prem Hansdak’s Resilient Comeback After Injury
Adding to the excitement, fellow 16-year-old Prem Hansdak, a talented striker from Jharkhand, has returned to the India lineup with renewed vigor after a hamstring injury kept him from participating in the SAFF Cup in Bhutan last month. Hailing from a farmer’s family, Prem has shown remarkable grit, making a quick recovery to rejoin his team in Thailand. His resilience reflects the Academy’s commitment to supporting players through challenges, instilling both mental and physical strength in these young athletes.
Celebration at Zinc Football Academy and Beyond
Aakash Narula, CEO of Vedanta Zinc Football and Sports Foundation, expressed immense pride in these young athletes. “Kaif and Prem’s journeys are an extraordinary achievement for all of us at Hindustan Zinc and the Zinc Football Academy. Kaif has already become a national hero, contributing to India’s SAFF Cup success and now shining in this tournament. Prem’s determination to recover and represent India again is inspiring. Our focus remains steadfast on nurturing grassroots talent to transform the landscape of Indian football.”
India, placed in Group D, will now take on host Thailand on October 27, with the young stars from Zinc Football Academy playing pivotal roles. After two initial wins, India’s “Blue Colts” look to continue their undefeated streak, carrying the hopes of a nation and the pride of Zinc Football Academy’s community back home.
Zinc Football Academy: A Trailblazer for Youth Development
Founded in Zawar by Hindustan Zinc, Zinc Football Academy is more than a sports institution—it’s a beacon of opportunity for talented youth. The Academy has a proven track record of producing players who represent India on international stages, with alumni like Sahil Poonia and Ashish Mayla setting high standards of skill and sportsmanship.
Hindustan Zinc’s role in Rajasthan’s football story began decades ago, with the Zawar football stadium constructed in 1976 and annual national tournaments drawing talented players. The Academy’s modernized training facilities and mentorship programs are now driving a new era of excellence in Indian football, solidifying Rajasthan’s position as a hub for nurturing young talent.
Beyond the Field: Hindustan Zinc’s Broader Impact on Rajasthan
While Zinc Football Academy continues to champion youth sports, Hindustan Zinc’s dedication to community development extends far beyond football. Nearly two million people across 3,700 villages in Rajasthan have benefited from the company’s programs, which span education, healthcare, and livelihood empowerment. Flagship initiatives like Shiksha Sambal and Unchi Udaan provide academic and engineering career support to underprivileged youth, while healthcare programs deliver essential medical services to remote communities.
Furthering its impact, the Sakhi and Samadhan initiatives empower women and rural farmers with vocational training and advanced agricultural practices, fostering sustainable livelihoods in Rajasthan’s rural areas. Hindustan Zinc’s approach has established it as a top corporate contributor to India’s social development, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond the corporate sphere to touch lives across Rajasthan.
The Road Ahead for India’s Young Football Talents
As India’s Under-17 squad battles for victory in Thailand, Kaif, Prem, and their teammates carry with them the hopes and dreams of a generation. For Zinc Football Academy, their journey symbolizes a mission accomplished—a dream of seeing young players shine, not only for their own growth but as ambassadors of Indian talent on the world stage.
India’s future in football looks bright, with players like Kaif and Prem embodying resilience, dedication, and passion. As they step onto the field, they don’t just represent their team; they represent the aspirations of every young player at Zinc Football Academy and beyond, whose eyes are set on the stars.
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.