India's U-17 team, showcasing strong performances, has seen a remarkable contribution from Hindustan Zinc's Zinc Football Academy players, especially Rajasthan-born defender Mohammed Kaif and Jharkhand's promising striker Prem Hansdak. In their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand, the Indian team secured two victories—13-0 against Brunei and a narrow 1-0 win over Turkmenistan.
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**Rising Star Mohammed Kaif Shines Internationally**
Sixteen-year-old Kaif, a product of Zinc Football Academy since 2018, scored his third international goal during India's match against Brunei, solidifying his growing reputation in Indian football. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Kaif has been instrumental in India’s defense, helping the team secure two consecutive clean sheets. His achievements mark a significant milestone for Rajasthan Football, with Kaif being the first local player in over four decades to represent India on the international stage.
**Prem Hansdak's Inspirational Comeback**
Also, 16-year-old striker Prem Hansdak has made a resilient return to the Indian team following a challenging hamstring injury that kept him from the recent SAFF Cup. Coming from a farming family in Jharkhand, Prem’s determination has set him up to make an impact in India’s next match against Thailand on October 27.
**Zinc Football Academy’s Legacy and Vision**
Aakash Narula, CEO of Vedanta Zinc Football and Sports Foundation, expressed pride in these achievements, emphasizing the Academy's commitment to developing young talent: “Kaif’s and Prem’s journeys epitomize our focus on grassroots development. Their achievements make Rajasthan and Indian Football proud.”
**Hindustan Zinc’s CSR Initiatives**
Established in 1976, Hindustan Zinc's commitment to sports development goes beyond football, with numerous initiatives benefiting nearly 2 million people across Rajasthan. Programs like Shiksha Sambal and Unchi Udaan support underprivileged students, while Sakhi and Samadhan initiatives empower women and farmers through skill development and agricultural training. Through such initiatives, Hindustan Zinc ranks among India’s top 10 CSR contributors, advancing education, healthcare, and women empowerment across Rajasthan.
With promising talents like Kaif and Prem making strides, Zinc Football Academy continues its mission of nurturing youth to elevate both Rajasthan and Indian Football on the global stage.
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