Zinc Football Academy Graduate Mohammed Kaif Selected for India U-20 Team for SAFF Championship

Udaipur | In a proud moment for grassroots football development, Hindustan Zinc Limited announced that Mohammed Kaif, a graduate of its flagship initiative Zinc Football Academy, has been selected for the India Under-20 national team for the upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 to be held in Maldives.

⚽ Tournament Roadmap

India has been placed in Group B, opening its campaign against Pakistan on March 26, followed by a clash with Bangladesh on March 28. Group A features hosts Maldives along with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals on April 1, with the final scheduled for April 3.

🏆 Eyes on a Historic Fourth Title

Hailing from Makrana, Rajasthan, Kaif enters the tournament as a treble SAFF champion, having already secured titles at the U-16 (2023), U-17 (2024), and U-19 (2025) levels. He now aims to clinch his fourth SAFF title with the Indian squad.

🌟 From Zawar to the National Stage

Born in 2008, the tall defender was part of the first batch (2018) of Zinc Football Academy in Zawar. Within a short span, he achieved a historic milestone—becoming the first footballer from Rajasthan in over 40 years to represent India internationally in 2023.

📈 Rising Through the Ranks

Following his impressive development and international debut, Kaif was signed by Hyderabad FC (now Sporting Club Delhi) in early 2025. He has since represented Diamond Harbour FC and South United FC, continuing his steady rise in Indian football.

🏅 Academy’s Growing Legacy

Since its inception in 2018, the AIFF 3-star rated Zinc Football Academy has consistently nurtured talent for India’s age-group teams. Players like Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Rajrup Sarkar have also represented the country, underscoring the academy’s impact on Indian football.

👧 Pioneering Women’s Football Development

Expanding its vision, the academy recently launched India’s first residential football academy for girls, enrolling its inaugural batch of 20 young players from rural backgrounds—marking a significant step toward inclusivity in sports.

🏃 Longstanding Commitment to Sports

For nearly four decades, Hindustan Zinc Limited has played a pivotal role in promoting sports, beginning with the establishment of a football stadium in Zawar in 1976. Today, its initiatives span football, athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball. The Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has further elevated Udaipur onto the global running map, with its sports programs positively impacting nearly 30,000 lives.

Kaif’s selection not only highlights his individual excellence but also reinforces the success of structured grassroots programs in shaping India’s future football stars.