ZINC FOOTBALL ACADEMY MAKES HISTORY

Udaipur: Zinc Football Academy, proudly representing DAV HZL School Zawar Mines, achieved a groundbreaking victory at the CBSE Under-19 National Football tournament held in Kerala, marking the first-ever triumph for a team from Rajasthan in this prestigious competition.

Zinc Football Academy, a CSR initiative of Hindustan Zinc, showcased dominance by scoring an impressive 29 goals in just 8 matches, in a tournament featuring 40 teams. The competition included strong opponents such as five foreign school teams from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, along with renowned Indian academies like Minerva Punjab and Bhaichung Bhutia Football School. This diverse and challenging field provided an excellent platform for the development of young players.

In the final, the Zawar-based Academy triumphed over home favorites Arafa School Thrissur with a 2-0 victory. Zinc Football Academy's defender, Mohammed Kaif, who recently debuted for India, was honored as the Player of the Tournament, while forward Jangminthang Haokip emerged as the top scorer, netting 8 goals, including a hat-trick against Anees School from Punjab, represented by Minerva Academy players.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, expressed his excitement, stating, "The entire team is thrilled with the achievement of this significant milestone for Zinc Football Academy. Our goal to revive the glorious footballing days of Rajasthan is bearing fruit. We are committed to furthering our work in grassroots football, producing young talents who can bring more laurels to Rajasthan and India."

Harbans Thakur, Principal of DAV HZL School Zawar Mines, added, "Our triumph at the CBSE Nationals not only reflects the dedication and skill of our players but also marks a milestone as the first team from Rajasthan to claim this prestigious trophy. I am overwhelmed with joy and pride for our exceptional Zinc Football athletes who have showcased true sportsmanship and teamwork."

Looking ahead, Zinc Football Academy is gearing up for upcoming major tournaments, including the AIFF Youth League and Reliance Foundation Development League. Hindustan Zinc, through its Zinc Football initiative, aims to catalyze a footballing revolution in Rajasthan, using the sport as a tool for social and community development and providing young kids with a platform to express themselves through football.