Rajrup Sarkar of Zinc Football Academy Stars in India’s Qualification for AFC Under-17 Asia Cup 2026

Udaipur, Dec 4, 2025 - Rajrup Sarkar, a 16-year-old goalkeeper from Hindustan Zinc’s flagship social impact initiative, Zinc Football Academy, played a crucial role in helping India’s Under-17 national team qualify for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026. India secured its place in the Asian Championship with a remarkable 2-1 victory over Iran in Ahmedabad.

Rajrup started in all of India’s group-stage matches and showcased exceptional composure, quick reflexes, and outstanding shot-stopping ability throughout the qualifiers. His contributions during high-pressure moments against Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei proved vital in securing India’s position in Asia’s premier youth tournament.

Coming from Zinc Football Academy, Rajrup joined the residential programme in Zawar at a young age and progressed rapidly. Under the academy’s world-class coaching, educational support and advanced technical training model, he has emerged as one of the country’s most promising young goalkeepers. His impressive performances in the 2024-25 AIFF Under-17 Youth League earned him a call-up to the national camp. With hard work and dedication, he has now achieved his dream of representing India at the highest level.

The AFC Under-17 Asian Cup, one of Asia’s biggest youth tournaments, will provide Rajrup and the Indian team an important international platform in 2026. His journey highlights Zinc Football Academy’s continued efforts in consistently producing top-tier footballers for the country.

Since its establishment in 2018, Zinc Football Academy has consistently nurtured players for various age-group national teams, strengthening India’s football talent pool. After Sahil Poonia, Mohammad Kaif and Prem Hansdak earned national team call-ups, Rajrup’s success marks yet another proud milestone in the academy’s ongoing commitment to the growth of Indian football.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, has been associated with sports and supporting athletes for nearly four decades. The company built its football stadium in Zawar, Rajasthan, in 1976. For the past 40 years, national-level football tournaments have been organised annually at the Zawar Stadium. The company has also supported several athletes in the past who have achieved major international successes for India.

Apart from football, Hindustan Zinc also promotes talent in athletics, kabaddi and volleyball, creating structured pathways for grassroots sports development. Its flagship event, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon - known as one of India’s most beautiful marathons - has placed Udaipur on the global running map and boosted tourism and fitness culture. Through these initiatives, Hindustan Zinc has positively impacted the lives of nearly 30,000 people, strengthening its commitment to empowerment and social transformation.

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