ZINC FOOTBALL ACADEMY’S DANGI MARDI AND SONAM GHOSH EARN INDIA U-17 NATIONAL TEAM TRIALS CALL-UP
· Forward Dangi Mardi and goalkeeper Sonam Ghosh selected for India U-17 Women’s National Team Trials Camp in Bengaluru
· ZFA’s young girls continue to shine after a historic season across national and state competitions
Udaipur : Hindustan Zinc in yet another proud moment at Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) announced, forward Dangi Mardi and goalkeeper Sonam Ghosh have been selected for the India Under-17 Women’s National Team Trials Camp, which is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru this week. The four-day trials camp is part of the preparations for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in October 2026, where selected players will be shortlisted for the final national squad.
Both Dangi and Sonam have been standout performers for Zinc Football Academy throughout the season, playing pivotal roles in a landmark year for the academy’s girls programme. Their consistent performances helped ZFA clinch the Rajasthan State Senior Women’s League title among three other titles, while also guiding the team to a semi-final finish in the inaugural AIFF U-17 Women’s Youth League held last month.
The 15-year-old goalkeeper Sonam Ghosh earns her second national camp call-up. Having previously attended the trials last year, has resilience has underlined her steady growth and reliability. Meanwhile, this marks the first national team trials selection for 15-year-old pacey forward Dangi Mardi, whose impactful performances and attacking prowess have made her one of the most exciting young prospects in the academy.
Both these players are part of Zinc Football Academy’s historic first batch of the girls’ team, launched in 2025. In just one year, the young squad has rapidly established itself as a force in Indian youth football, securing multiple titles including the Rajasthan Senior Women’s League, Doon Cup, Under-15 Asmita Football League, and DAV U-19 Nationals. The team further cemented its rise by finishing among the top four teams in the country in the AIFF U-17 Women’s Youth League.
These achievements mark another significant milestone for Zinc Football Academy’s rapidly growing girls programme, reinforcing Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to nurturing women’s football through its social impact initiative. As Dangi and Sonam step into the national trials, their journey continues to inspire a new generation of young footballers across the country.
With the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers approaching in October 2026, all eyes will now be on the trial camp, as the ZFA duo look to secure their place in the final national squad and take the next step on the international stage.
Since its inception in 2018, Zinc Football Academy – an AIFF 3-star rated Academy, has consistently produced players for India’s age-group teams, strengthening the nation’s talent pool. Alongside Rajrup Sarkar, ZFA players Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Mohammed Kaif have also represented India, marking another milestone in the academy’s continued commitment to contributing to Indian football’s growth.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, continues to advance its vision of holistic community development through various social interventions and community development initiatives, nurturing education, building skills, enabling sustainable livelihoods, empowering women, strengthening healthcare, and preserving the environment. With a footprint that spans over 4,100 villages, Hindustan Zinc is positively transforming the lives of more than 2.6 million people and remains deeply committed to fostering inclusive growth and long-term social impact.
The Academy shows a strong commitment towards the betterment of both Rajasthan and Indian football. It has also fostered the sport for nearly five decades, starting with its football stadium at Zawar in 1976, which continues to host annual National Football Tournaments. Extending beyond football to athletics, kabaddi and volleyball, the company nurtures talent at the grassroots level. Its Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has put Udaipur on the global running map.© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.