#### ZINC FOOTBALL ACADEMY’S RAJRUP SARKAR STARS IN INDIA’S QUALIFICATION FOR AFC UNDER-17 ASIAN CUP 2026

In a proud moment for Hindustan Zinc’s flagship social impact initiative, Zinc Football Academy goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar, just 16 years old, played a pivotal role in helping the India U-17 National Team qualify for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026. India secured their spot in the continental championship with a stunning 2-1 victory over heavyweights IR Iran in Ahmedabad, capping off a resilient campaign that showcased the country’s rising young talent.

Rajrup, who started in all of India’s crucial group matches, was instrumental throughout the qualifiers with his composed presence, sharp reflexes, and exceptional shot-stopping ability. His contribution in high-pressure moments against IR Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei, proved vital as India completed a memorable run to secure their berth at Asia’s premier youth competition.

A product of Zinc Football Academy, Rajrup joined the Zawar-based residential programme as a young teenager and quickly rose through its ranks. Under the Academy’s world-class coaching, education support, and technology-led training model, he evolved into one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country. His performances in the 2024-25 AIFF Under-17 Youth League earned him a call-up to the national team camp. He worked hard and has now achieved his dream of representing India at the highest level.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup, one of Asia’s biggest youth tournaments, will offer Rajrup and the Indian team a significant international platform in 2026. His journey mirrors Zinc Football Academy’s vision of empowering communities and developing future national team players through a holistic, long-term grassroots system.

Since its inception in 2018, Zinc Football Academy has consistently produced players for India’s age-group teams, strengthening the nation’s talent pool. After Sahil Poonia, Mohammed Kaif, and Prem Hansdak already having donned the national colours, Rajrup’s success marks another proud milestone in the Academy’s continued commitment to contributing meaningfully to Indian Football’s growth story.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, has been associated with sports and has been promoting sports personalities for almost four decades when the company made its football stadium at Zawar in Rajasthan in 1976. Since last 40 years, National Football Tournaments are being organized every year at Zawar Stadium. The company has also supported several athletes in the past who have brought numerous laurels for the country in international events.

Beyond football, Hindustan Zinc nurtures talent in athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball, creating structured pathways for growth at the grassroots level. Its flagship event, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, fondly known as India’s Most Beautiful Marathon has put Udaipur on the global running map, promoting both tourism and a culture of fitness. Through these initiatives, Hindustan Zinc has positively impacted nearly 30,000 lives, reinforcing its dedication to empowerment and social transformation.

About Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188 and NSE: HINDZINC), a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and is amongst the top 5 silver producers globally. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 77% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the third consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. The company also became the first Indian company to join the prestigious International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) in 2025. The company also launched EcoZen, Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand. Produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc produced, about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 3.32 times Water-Positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Transforming the lives of 2.3 million people through its focused social welfare initiatives, Hindustan Zinc is among the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.