Zinc Football Academy Graduate Mohammed Kaif Earns India U-20 Call-Up for SAFF Championship
In a significant achievement for grassroots football development, Mohammed Kaif, a graduate of the Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) run by Hindustan Zinc, has been selected to represent the India Under-20 national team. The young defender will compete in the upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in the Maldives.
Tournament Details and Group Stage Fixtures
The SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 promises intense regional competition. India has been placed in Group B, where they will face traditional rivals Pakistan in their opening match on March 26. This will be followed by a crucial fixture against Bangladesh on March 28.
Group A consists of the host nation Maldives, along with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, which are set for April 1. The championship final is scheduled for April 3, determining the regional youth football champion.
Mohammed Kaif's Remarkable Football Journey
Hailing from Makrana city in Rajasthan, Mohammed Kaif enters this tournament with an impressive pedigree. He is already a treble SAFF champion, having secured victory in the U-16 (2023), U-17 (2024), and U-19 (2025) SAFF championships. Now, he aims to add a fourth SAFF championship crown to his growing list of accolades.
Born in 2008, Kaif was part of the first-ever batch of the Zinc Football Academy when it commenced operations in 2018. His rapid development at the Zawar-based academy led to a historic milestone in 2023, when he became the first player from Rajasthan in over 40 years to represent India at the international level. This achievement marked a pivotal moment for football in the state, highlighting the academy's role in nurturing local talent.
Following his international debut and continued progress at ZFA, Kaif's professional career took a significant step forward. He was signed by Indian Super League (ISL) club Hyderabad FC in early 2025. Subsequently, he has gained valuable experience representing clubs such as Diamond Harbour FC and South United FC, demonstrating steady progression within the Indian football ecosystem.
Zinc Football Academy's Impact on Indian Football
Mohammed Kaif's selection is a testament to the Zinc Football Academy's unwavering commitment to developing young football talent and creating clear pathways for players to compete at the highest levels. Since its inception in 2018, the academy, which holds an AIFF 3-star rating, has consistently produced players for India's various age-group national teams, thereby strengthening the nation's overall talent pool.
Kaif is not the only success story from ZFA. Other academy graduates, including Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Rajrup Sarkar, have also earned the honor of representing India. This collective achievement underscores the academy's significant contribution to the growth and development of Indian football.
In a further expansion of its sports initiatives, Hindustan Zinc recently launched India's first residential football academy for girls. The inaugural batch comprises 20 girls from rural backgrounds, showcasing the company's dedication to inclusivity and grassroots development across genders.
Hindustan Zinc's Broader Sports Legacy
Hindustan Zinc's support for sports spans nearly four decades, beginning with the establishment of its football stadium at Zawar in 1976. This facility continues to host prestigious annual National Football tournaments, serving as a hub for competitive football.
The company's sports initiatives extend well beyond football. It actively nurtures talent in disciplines such as athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball at the grassroots level. Notably, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has successfully put Udaipur on the global running map, attracting participants and attention from around the world.
Collectively, Hindustan Zinc's diverse sports programs have positively impacted nearly 30,000 lives, demonstrating a profound and lasting commitment to fostering athletic excellence and community development through sports.
