: Wednesday, December 03, 2025 8:41 PM
Initiative of Hindustan Zinc 16 year old goalkeeper of Zinc Football Academy performed brilliantly for India
This achievement reflects the commitment of Zinc Football Academy, Zawar to nurture talent in Indian football.
Udaipur. Just 16-year-old goalkeeper Rajroop Sarkar, a player at Zinc Football Academy, Hindustan Zinc’s flagship social impact initiative, played a key role in helping the India Under-17 national team qualify for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026. India secured their spot in the Asian Championship with an impressive 2-1 win over Iran in Ahmedabad. Rajroop started in all of India’s group matches and performed brilliantly throughout the qualifiers with his composure, quick reflexes and exceptional shot-stopping ability. His contributions in pressure moments against Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei proved crucial as India secured their place in Asia’s premier youth competition. A graduate of the Zinc Football Academy, Rajroop joined the residential program at Zawar at a young age and progressed rapidly. Under the academy’s world-class coaching, educational support and technical training model, he has become one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country. His performances in the 2024–25 AIFF Under-17 Youth League earned him a chance to join the national team camp. He worked hard and has now fulfilled his dream of representing India at the highest level. The AFC U-17 Asian Cup, one of the biggest youth tournaments in Asia, will provide Rajrup and the Indian team an important international platform in 2026. His visit reflects the work of the Zinc Football Academy and how the academy has consistently produced the best players for the country. Since its inception in 2018, Zinc Football Academy has consistently produced players for various age-group teams across India and strengthened the country’s talent pool. With Sahil Punia, Mohammad Kaif and Prem Hansdak already making it to the national team, Rajrup’s success is another proud achievement in the Academy’s continued commitment to contribute meaningfully to the growth story of Indian football. Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, has been associated with sports and has been promoting sports personalities for almost four decades. The company built its football stadium in Zawar, Rajasthan in 1976. National football tournaments have been held every year at Zawar Stadium for the last 40 years. The company has also supported many athletes in the past who have achieved many achievements for the country in international competitions. Apart from football, Hindustan Zinc also grooms talents in athletics, kabaddi and volleyball and creates well-established pathways for development at the grassroots level. Its flagship event, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, known as India’s most beautiful marathon, has put Udaipur on the global running map and promoted tourism and fitness culture. Through these initiatives, Hindustan Zinc has positively impacted the lives of approximately 30,000 people and strengthened its commitment towards empowerment and social transformation.
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Web Title-Rajrup Sarkar of Zinc Football Academy played a key role in India qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026.
