46th MKM All India Football Tournament Kicks Off at Zawar

by

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat

Football Tournament

Udaipur, January 25 (Daily Kiran): The 46th All India Mohan Kumarmangalam Hindustan Zinc Football Tournament began at Zawar on Saturday and will be held from January 24 to February 2. The 10-day tournament is being hosted jointly by the Zawar Mines Mazdoor Sangh and Hindustan Zinc Limited, a company of the Vedanta Group.

The tournament was inaugurated at the MKM Stadium with a grand opening ceremony. Twelve teams from across the country are participating in the competition, showcasing skill, teamwork and passion for football. The event aims to promote competitive football while encouraging talent development in the region. More than 20,000 spectators are expected to attend over the course of the tournament.

Football Tournament

The inaugural ceremony was led by chief guest and renowned Indian professional footballer Arindam Bhattacharya, along with senior officials and members of the organising committee and the Zawar Mines Workers’ Union. Several dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The opening match of the tournament was played between Doon Star Football Club, Dehradun, and Rajasthan Police, Bikaner. Prior to the match, a colourful tableau was presented at the centre of the stadium, followed by an attractive dance performance by school children, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Addressing the gathering, Arindam Bhattacharya said the MKM Tournament is a strong example of how sports can strengthen communities, teach discipline and inspire young athletes. He praised Hindustan Zinc for preserving the tournament’s 46-year legacy and said it reflects the company’s belief in the power of grassroots football.

Teams participating in the tournament include Hindustan Zinc Eleven, Kashmir United Football Club, Ram Mohammad Singh Azad Football Club (Punjab), Central Secretariat (Delhi), BSF (West Bengal), RT Boys Football Club (Hyderabad), Income Tax Football Club (Ahmedabad), Doon Star Football Club (Dehradun), DFA Udaipur, Rajasthan Police (Bikaner), Revor D Sporting Club (Sikkim) and KSEB (Thiruvananthapuram).

For nearly four decades, Hindustan Zinc has maintained a strong association with sports promotion in the region. The MKM Tournament aligns with the company’s Zinc City initiative, which focuses on cultural preservation and community development in and around Udaipur. Zawar, known for its rich football heritage, continues to be an important centre for the sport in Rajasthan, with initiatives such as the Zinc Football Academy supporting young talent, including girls, through professional training and facilities.

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