Assam's Football Prodigies Shine at Hindustan Zinc Academy, Secure National Finals Berth
In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, four young footballers from Assam are writing an inspiring chapter of success at Hindustan Zinc's Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) in Udaipur. The academy has recently achieved qualification for the prestigious Final Round of the AIFF Under-18 Elite League 2025–26, with these players playing pivotal roles in this accomplishment.
From Assam's Heartlands to National Football Stage
Hailing from diverse regions of Assam – Udalguri, Tinsukia, and Duliajan – Ashish Chetry, Bryant Dihingia, Rishi Konwar, and Dwiden Boro have each contributed uniquely to ZFA's impressive campaign. Their collective journey represents more than just athletic prowess; it embodies the courage to pursue dreams far from home and the transformative power of structured football development programs.
Meet the Assam Quartet Driving ZFA's Success
Ashish Chetry – The Prolific Striker
Leading the offensive charge for the AIFF 3-star rated academy is striker Ashish Chetry, a farmer's son from Udalguri who has emerged as one of the league's most formidable forwards. With an impressive tally of 23 goals during the Zonal Round, including three hat-tricks, Ashish currently stands as the competition's second-highest goal scorer. His relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing have established him as the focal point of ZFA's attacking strategy. Off the field, the Class 11 student remains a reserved teenager who draws inspiration from his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, harboring dreams of helping his team secure a national championship for the first time.
Bryant Dihingia – The Midfield Maestro
Orchestrating play from midfield is Bryant Dihingia, the composed and tactically astute defensive midfielder from Borguri village in Tinsukia. Widely regarded as the team's "brain," Bryant controls the game's tempo with an elegance and maturity that belies his years. His ability to disrupt opposition attacks while initiating offensive moves makes him indispensable to ZFA's overall balance. The soft-spoken Class 12 student prefers to let his football skills communicate his capabilities, consistently demonstrating calmness under pressure.
Rishi Konwar – The Reliable Guardian
Providing defensive stability is goalkeeper Rishi Konwar from Duliajan, who has been instrumental in ZFA's impressive defensive record. During the Zonal Round, the team conceded merely four goals across 14 matches, with none at their home ground – a testament to Rishi's capabilities between the posts. Whenever called upon, he has responded with confidence and composure. Known for his light-hearted demeanor and humble nature, Rishi contributes both reliability on the field and positive energy within the squad environment.
Dwiden Boro – The Resilient Leader
Completing this talented quartet is Dwiden Boro, whose journey exemplifies patience and character development. A goalkeeper from Dimakuchi in Udalguri district, Dwiden joined ZFA in 2023 and progressed through the ranks after participating in the AIFF U-15 Junior League. However, a complete PCL tear in 2025 sidelined him for nearly a year, causing him to miss crucial competitions. Today, he has returned to training with enhanced mental strength and determination to regain full fitness. While not yet match-ready, Dwiden continues to play a vital leadership role, motivating teammates and setting an example through his perseverance and dedication.
Academy's Vision and National Impact
Tarun Roy, Technical Director of Zinc Football Academy, expressed enthusiasm about these players' contributions: "We are delighted to have Ashish, Bryant, Rishi, and Dwiden from Assam, along with additional players from across Northeast India. They bring distinctive energy and character both on and off the pitch. As an institution, we remain committed to creating opportunities and providing platforms where talent can genuinely express itself. Ultimately, our objective is to identify, nurture, and channel such potential toward national team representation."
Zinc Football Academy's qualification for the Final Round of the AIFF Under-18 Elite League 2025–26 represents a significant milestone, with these four players' contributions highlighting the academy's dedication to nurturing talent from across India. Their collective journey demonstrates how opportunity, support, and belief can transform youthful dreams into national aspirations.
Upcoming Challenges and Historical Context
The Final Round of the AIFF Under-18 Elite League 2025–26 is scheduled to take place in Punjab. Zinc Football Academy has been placed in Group C, where they will compete against East Bengal FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, and the winner of Play-off 2. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for intense competition.
As they prepare for these challenges, these four young men from Assam carry not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of their families, their home state, and a growing legacy at Zinc Football Academy. Their story proves that geographical distance becomes insignificant when dreams are supported by proper infrastructure and mentorship.
Since its establishment in 2018, Zinc Football Academy – an AIFF 3-star rated institution – has consistently produced players for India's age-group national teams, strengthening the country's football talent pool. Alongside notable alumnus Mohammed Kaif, ZFA players Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Rajrup Sarkar have also represented India internationally, marking another milestone in the academy's ongoing commitment to Indian football development.
Broader Sports Development Initiatives
Recently, Hindustan Zinc launched India's first residential football academy for girls, with an inaugural batch of 20 girls from rural backgrounds, expanding their commitment to inclusive sports development.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and the world's largest integrated zinc producer, continues to advance its vision of holistic community development through various social interventions. Their initiatives focus on nurturing education, building skills, enabling sustainable livelihoods, empowering women, strengthening healthcare, and preserving the environment. With operations spanning over 2,300 villages, Hindustan Zinc positively impacts more than 23 lakh people, demonstrating deep commitment to fostering inclusive growth and long-term social impact.
The company's sports legacy extends nearly four decades, beginning with its football stadium at Zawar in 1976, which continues to host annual National Football Tournaments. Beyond football, Hindustan Zinc supports athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball while nurturing grassroots talent. Their Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has positioned Udaipur on the global running map, with sports initiatives collectively impacting approximately 30,000 lives.
