The MKM Football Tournament, one of the biggest State Youth competitions in India, successfully concluded its 44th edition at Zawar's MKM Stadium, Udaipur with Doon Star FC, Dehradun emerging victorious after a thrilling final against S.T.F.C Kashmir. The fever of MKM football tournament at Zawar kick started with a grand inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2024. The 10-day football tournament, hosted by Hindustan Zinc in association with Zawar Mines Mazdoor Sangh, witnessed magnificent performances from 12 teams that participated from across the country in #ZincCity.

The closing ceremony, held on 29 January, was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Ganapathi Palguna, Former Indian Team Footballer & Secretary Telangana Football Association; Guest of Honour, Ram Murari, IBU CEO, Zawar Group of Mines and other esteemed dignitaries including Lalu Ram Meena, General Secretary ZMMS and Deepak Gakhreja, Organising Secretary, among others.

On the occasion, Ganapathi Palguna said, “I feel honoured to witness such a big crowd supporting and cheering for the legacy MKM Football Tournament. I hope that this becomes a launch pad for the future stars of football and would create new records for Indian Football.”

The intense finale saw Doon Star FC, Dehradun secure a triumphant 1-0 victory over S.T.F.C, Kashmir. The journey to the finals included notable performances, such as the semi-final clash between Doon Star FC Dehradun and B.S.F Siligudi.

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc & Executive Director, Vedanta, reflected on the unique significance of the MKM Football Tournament, expressing, "The MKM Tournament not only showcases the passion for football but stands as a testament to the unity and spirit in #ZincCity.

"It's been our privilege to host 12 teams from across the nation in #ZincCity, creating a platform for camaraderie and sportsmanship that extends beyond the field. Hindustan Zinc consistently upholds the significance of uplifting communities in and around our operational areas through various initiatives, including promoting sports at the grassroots level. We proudly support every celebration that promotes art, culture, and unity in #ZincCity, recognizing the profound impact these elements have on fostering a vibrant and connected community".

This year's tournament witnessed an overwhelming participation of more than 25,000 spectators, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the MKM Football Tournament within #ZincCity. Hindustan Zinc has been associated with sports and has been promoting sports for almost 4 decades when the company made its football stadium at Zawar in Rajasthan in 1976. The MKM tournament has become a symbol of community unity and engagement, emerging as a significant platform for fostering connections with local communities.

About Hindustan Zinc:

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company in Zinc-Lead and Silver business is world’s 2nd largest integrated Zinc producer and 5th largest Silver producer. The company governs about ~80% of the growing Zinc market in India with its headquarters at Udaipur along with Zinc-Lead mines and smelting complexes spread across the state of Rajasthan.

Hindustan Zinc is self-sufficient in power with captive thermal power plants and has ventured into green energy by setting-up wind power plants. The company ranked highest in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment in 2023 amongst Metals & Mining companies reflecting & reaffirming its constant commitment towards sustainable and responsible mining practices. Hindustan Zinc is a certified Water Positive company and is the only Indian company to be recognized at the S&P Global Platts Metal Award 2022 winning two prestigious awards for ‘Industry Leadership Award – Base, Precious & Specialty Metals’ Award and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ Award. Hindustan Zinc is also the only Indian company in Mining sector with validated & approved SBTi targets in alignment with 1.5 °C target.

The company takes pride in having some of the best-in-class people practices and employee-centric initiatives, which have certified Hindustan Zinc as – ‘Great Place to Work 2023’, ‘Company with Great Managers 2022’ by People Business and the ‘People-first HR Excellence Award’.

As a socially responsible corporate, Hindustan Zinc has been relentlessly working towards transforming lives of 1.7 million people in 237 villages in the states of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand with a spend base of INR 276.3 crores in FY23 for various community development initiatives and is amongst the Top 10 CSR Companies in India.