Udaipur: Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) has been honoured with the ‘Best Academy for Boys’ and ‘Best Academy for Girls’ at the Football Excellence Awards. The annual football awards function was organised by the Rajasthan Football Association in Bikaner.The ceremony brought together distinguished members of the football fraternity and, in addition to the Academy’s remarkable achievements, celebrated its wins in the Rajasthan State Senior Men’s League and Rajasthan State Senior Women’s League, making it a historic and memorable occasion for the Zawar-based academy.Initiated in 2018, Zinc Football Academy’s sole aim was to reach the grassroots level and bring together a team of young football aspirants across Rajasthan and India. Over the years, ZFA has produced players like Mohammed Kaif, Prem Hansdak, Sahil Poonia, and Rajrup Sarkar, who have gone on to make their mark in Indian football, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to nurturing and elevating grassroots talent.ZFA, an AIFF-accredited 3-star residential academy, offers world-class training facilities, top-notch coaching, structured competition exposure, along with formal education and scientifically designed nutrition programs. The academy is deeply committed to holistic development and strongly believes in providing equal opportunities to both boys and girls, fostering an inclusive and progressive footballing environment.The recognition of the Football Excellence Awards comes on an exceptional 2025–26 season for ZFA. The senior men’s team, largely comprising under-23 players, successfully defended the Rajasthan State Senior Men’s League title, securing the championship for the third time since the academy’s inception.On the other hand, the girls’ team, introduced in 2025, left an extraordinary impact by winning the Rajasthan State Senior Women’s League in its debut season. Notably, the team achieved this victory with the youngest squad in the competition, boasting an average age of just 15.8 years.Speaking on the momentous glory, Dilip Singh Shekhawat, General Secretary, Rajasthan Football Association, highlighted: “We are delighted to see Zinc Football Academy setting high benchmarks in football development across Rajasthan. Their commitment to grassroots and youth development, backed by structured training and, importantly, equal opportunities for both boys and girls, is what truly sets them apart. The success they have achieved this season, both on and off the field, reflects a sustainable and progressive model for Indian football. These recognitions are well deserved and underline the positive impact they continue to have on the state’s football ecosystem. We congratulate the entire team at ZFA and wish them continued success in the years ahead.”Supported by The Football Link as the Strategy and Implementation Partner, the Academy highlights Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to grassroots excellence and 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 till date. Extending beyond football to athletics, kabaddi and volleyball, the company nurtures sports at grassroots level. Its Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has put Udaipur on the global running map.Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, continues to advance its vision of holistic community development through various social interventions and community development initiatives by 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.
