ZINC FOOTBALL WILL PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL TEAM, SAYS AIFF PRESIDENT KALYAN CHAUBEY

Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation accompanied by top dignitaries of Rajasthan Football Association visits Zinc Football Academy

Udaipur : Mr Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation, visited Hindustan Zinc’s Zinc Football Academy in Zawar, Udaipur on Saturday. The President of the country’s apex footballing body engaged in an interactive session with the young footballers of Zinc Football and was pleased to see the world-class infrastructure in Zawar, further sharing his delight over the Academy’s incredible performance at the ongoing Hero Under-17 Youth Cup.

Mr Chaubey, accompanied by Dilip Singh Shekhawat, Secretary, Rajasthan Football Association; Shakeel Ahmed, Secretary, Udaipur District Football Association and Kailash Chandra Khatik, Secretary, Bhilwara District Football Association along with Vishal Agarwal, Deputy CSR Head, Hindustan Zinc; Ram Murari, Location Head, Zawar Mines; Deepak Gakhreja, Head HR, Zawar Mines; Laluram Meena, President, Zawar Mines Mazdoor Saang and other dignitaries from Hindustan Zinc, took a tour of the facilities at Zinc Football. The President shared his valuable inputs and feedback on the initiative that has already produced two players for the Indian Under-17 team. The President emphasised on the importance of having a definite roadmap and was happy to see Hindustan Zinc’s dedication in positively contributing towards Indian Football.

A former Indian Footballer himself, Mr Kalyan Chaubey, President, AIFF on his visit said: “Hindustan Zinc is doing an incredible job. I am very happy to see the infrastructure here. Zinc Football will not only help Rajasthan Football but also play a crucial part in the development of the national team. The Academy has already produced two players for the national under-17 team and I am sure with the talent and passion they have, there will be more in the coming times.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, said, “Over the last few years, Hindustan Zinc has been developing a strong grassroots football structure through Zinc Football. We believe in promoting the world’s most popular sport to improve the lives of underprivileged communities in Rajasthan. We are happy to host respected Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President of All India Football Federation at our Academy. His vision and love for the sport will surely take Indian Football to greater heights.” 

The dignitaries also extended their best wishes to the Zinc Football team who will be playing the knockout round of the Hero U17 Youth Cup in Hyderabad. 

Zinc Football is an initiative of Hindustan Zinc to usher in a footballing revolution in Rajasthan. It is a one-of-its-kind grassroots development programme with technology and data analysis at its core at Zawar near Udaipur, Rajasthan. The programme is using football as a tool for social and community development and ensuring young boys and girls have a platform to express themselves through football.