Sports

Goal

To promote sports at regional, state, and international levels.

Partnerships

With The Football Link, Young Monk Communications Pvt. Ltd., Vedanta Zinc Football and Sports Foundation, Rajasthan Cricket Association, Government of India

Impact

26,100+ Youth benefited through various sports initiatives, mostly across Rajasthan and pan India

Key Features

• Launch of the Zinc Football Girls Academy (Jan ’25) – A residential U-15 girls’ team formed by scouting talent from Rajasthan and neighboring states.
• AIFF 3-Star Accreditation – Zinc Football Academy received a 3-star rating in the Academy Accreditation 2024-25, placing it among the best football academies in India.
• AIFF Zinc Blue Cubs League (2nd Edition) – A 3-month long league (U-8, U-10, U-12) with 152 players; U-12 standouts will be scouted for ZFA U-13 team.
• Participation Across Age Groups – ZFA fielded U-13, U-15, U-17, and senior U-20 teams across major national youth and senior tournaments including AIFF leagues and Reliance Foundation Development League.
• Scouting and Residential Setup – Scouted U-15 girl athletes for residential training; Community Centre players integrated into formal competitive circuits.
• Coach Appointments – Senior Coach Shyam Singh Shekhawat mentored Rajasthan’s Senior Women’s Team; U-13 Coach Chanderkala Rao served as Head Coach for the same team.
• Community Integration – 18 players from Zinc Football Community Schools participated in state and national tournaments (Sub-Junior & Junior levels); schools like Singatwara and Tidi emerged as talent hubs.
• Media Recognition – Journalists from NDTV and Moneycontrol visited ZFA and covered its facilities, technology, and grassroots impact, highlighting its transformation story.

Major Activities & Achievements during FY 2023-24

• ‘Sports Academy of the Year’ Award – ZFA was awarded at Sport India Awards 2024.
• U/17 Team’s Unbeaten Streak – ZFA U/17 team remained unbeaten in all 10 zonal matches of AIFF Elite Youth League 2025.
• Historic Junior Girls Championship Win – Rajasthan won the title in Karnataka after 60 years, with 5 ZFA girls representing the state.
• Mohammed Kaif’s National Journey – Represented India in SAFF U-17 (2023, 2024) and AFC Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers; first Rajasthani to do so in 40+ years.
• Prem’s Comeback – Selected for India U-17 team for SAFF and AFC qualifiers; returned strong at AFC after injury.
• ISL Signings – Kaif and Prem signed long-term contracts with Hyderabad FC and Mohun Bagan SG in Jan 2025.
• MKM Tournament Runner-Up – Hindustan Zinc XI (ZFA senior team) finished 2nd at MKM Memorial Tournament, winning Rs. 1.5 lakh.
• Reliance Foundation Youth Sports – ZFA U-15 team finished runner-up in North Zone Delhi Championship, earning Rs. 25,000; goalkeeper Eklas Molla won Best Goalkeeper.
• Shri Suryamandal Cup Victory – ZFA U-20 team won the tournament in Nawalgarh, with Subhash Damor scoring a brace in the final.
• SGFI District-Level Triumphs – ZF Community School teams won multiple age group titles in Salumbar and Udaipur districts.
• Government Services Signings – ZFA U-20 players Aman Khan and Sonu joined Indian Air Force and CISF, later playing in Durand Cup 2024.
• Santosh Trophy Representation – Players Ashish Mayla (Haryana) and Nishant (Rajasthan) played in the 2024–25 edition.
• Swami Vivekananda U-20 Championship – ZFA’s Himanshu helped Delhi clinch the title; Karan Beniwal and Mohammed Riyaz also featured.
• National School U-14 Tournament – Four players (including one from Community School) represented Rajasthan; team reached semifinals.
• Community Girls Shine at MLSU – Six ZF Community School girls led their college to 2nd place in Inter-College Tournament; five were selected for West Zone Inter-University team.
• Subhash Damor’s Individual Honors – Won Top Scorer and Emerging Player awards in Rajasthan State Men’s League 2023-24.
• Widespread State/National Representation – Multiple ZFA and community school players selected across Sub-Junior and Junior boys & girls state/national teams.