Zinc Football Academy Defends Rajasthan League Title, Secures Third Crown with Dominant 2025-26 Campaignnewsline24

Zinc Football Academy has retained the Rajasthan League Senior Men’s A-Division 2025-26 crown for a second year, taking its total tally to three league titles. The Zawar-based side achieved this feat with a young squad that delivered a dominant campaign against seven leading teams from across the state.

The decisive result came in the final fixture, where Zinc Football Academy defeated Jaipur City FC 4-1. Goals from Abith, Yash, and Biswajit sealed the victory, making the academy the first club to successfully defend the Rajasthan League title.

“Defending the title is the most difficult thing in sport. So I am super proud of this team. Winning the Rajasthan State League is important for us as a unit, and to do it back-to-back with the youngest squad is indeed incredible. We thank Hindustan Zinc for all the support throughout the season,” said Kiran G Krishnan, Head Coach of the senior team.

Season Dominance of Zinc Football Academy

Across the 2025-26 season, Zinc Football Academy showcased consistency and control. The team won 10 out of 12 matches, scoring 39 goals while conceding only six. Their impressive +33 goal difference highlighted their superiority over rivals throughout the campaign.

“Being in Rajasthan, winning this league is very important for all of us. We have now earned back-to-back promotions to the I-League 3, which is the first step of the larger dream. This team is capable of doing incredible things, and we are now excited for the I-League 3,” said captain Manish Meel.

Grassroots Development and Talent Pipeline

Founded in 2017, Zinc Football Academy focuses on identifying and nurturing talent from rural India. The AIFF-accredited 3-star centre operates from Zawar and has trained over 5,000 young footballers. It also runs India’s largest residential football academy for girls, providing structured coaching and development opportunities.

The academy’s training model combines football with education and life-skills development, preparing players for opportunities beyond local leagues, including national competitions.

Several academy graduates, including Mohammed Kaif, Prem Hansdak, Sahil Poonia, and Ashish Mayla, have represented India internationally, showcasing the effectiveness of its grassroots pathway.

“I congratulate Zinc Football Academy on a fantastic season. These talented youngsters represent the bright future of football in Rajasthan and across India,” said Dilip Singh Shekhawat, Secretary of the Rajasthan Football Association.

Institutional Support and Community Impact

Hindustan Zinc, part of the Vedanta Group, supports the academy as part of its community development initiatives. The company operates across more than 4,400 villages, impacting over 2.6 million people through programs in education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Sports development has been central to its efforts, dating back to the establishment of the Zawar football stadium in 1976. The venue continues to host national tournaments and supports grassroots sports, including athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball.

The Football Link acts as the strategy and implementation partner for Zinc Football Academy, helping expand its reach and strengthen Rajasthan League football. The latest title win further reinforces the academy’s role in developing talent and promoting organised football in the region.