Udaipur, May 1, 2025 — Hindustan Zinc’s Zinc Football Academy is charting a defining path in the Indian youth football circuit as it enters a crucial month, competing on three major fronts. With strong performances across all age categories, the Zawar-based academy is eyeing top honours in the Rajasthan League A-Division, AIFF Youth League U-17and AIFF Junior League U-15.

R-League Title in Sight as Zinc U-20s Chase Historic Repeat

Zinc Football Academy’s Under-20 team sits fourth in the Rajasthan League A-Division standings, with 17 points from 8 gamesincluding 5 wins and 2 draws. League leaders FC Brothers United hold a narrow lead with 26 points from 10 matches. With 12 decisive fixtures set for May, Zinc’s young squad is in a strong position to replicate its iconic 2021 championshipwhen it became the youngest side ever to win the R-League title.

U-17 Squad Begins AIFF Youth League Final Round in Guwahati

The Under-17 team, after an unbeaten zonal phase run and topping Group Hhas landed in Guwahati for the AIFF Youth League final round. Drawn into Group CZinc Football Academy will face:

• FC Madras on May 3

• Northeast United FC on May 5

• FC Mangalore on May 7

The top two teams will qualify for the quarterfinals on May 9with the grand final scheduled for May 14.

U-15s Set to Battle in AIFF Junior League Play-offs

Zinc Football Academy’s Under-15 side is also gearing up for the AIFF Junior League Play-off round in Jamshedpur. Despite a narrow miss on goal difference in the zonal phase, the team remains confident as they prepare to face:

• Mumbai City FC on May 11

• United Sports Club on May 13

Wins in these fixtures will seal a place in the final roundcommencing May 16.

Driving Grassroots Excellence in Indian Football

Zinc Football Academy, accredited by the AIFF with an elite 3-star ratinghas been instrumental in grooming top talent, with alumni including national players Mohammed Kaif, Prere Hansdak, Sahil Ponia, and Ashish Mayla. Backed by Hindustan Zinca Vedanta Group company and one of India’s top 10 social impact firms, the academy is managed in strategic partnership with The Football Link.

The Academy reflects Hindustan Zinc’s unwavering commitment to youth development, sports excellence, and social empowerment. As the teams compete for national glory this May, Zinc Football Academy continues to embody the company’s broader vision for nation-building through sports.

Hindustan Zinc also promotes excellence in athletics, kabaddi, and volleyballwhile its Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has made Udaipur a beacon of fitness and tourism on the national stage.