UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, continues to redefine the role of sports in transforming lives and shaping communities of over 30,000 individuals. From football to volleyball, kabaddi, athletics, marathon and more, the company’s holistic sports development programs have successfully made sports a powerful vehicle where rural youth find alternative pathways to success. With a legacy spanning nearly half a century in sports, rooted in the Zawar Stadium (Udaipur district, Rajasthan), the company’s efforts go far beyond the playing field by creating access to quality sports training which opens doors to scholarships, professional sports careers and related employment opportunities.
At the heart of this vision is Zinc Football, a fully residential academy at Zawar, has emerged as one of India’s most reputed grassroots football institutions. Accredited with a 3-star rating by the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and recognised as ‘Sports Academy of the Year’ at the Sport India Awards 2024, the academy has earned national recognition for its excellence. In partnership with AIFF, it has recently launched the Zinc Football Girls Academy – India’s first residential academy for girls, beginning with an inaugural batch of 20 under-15 players. Over the years, the academy has become a cradle for young football talent, enabling rural prodigies like Mohammad Kaif and Sahil Poonia to proudly don the Indian jersey. In this spirit of holistic development, the academy’s first girls’ batch recently visited the Nand Ghar in Zawar, a flagship initiative of Vedanta’s Anil Agarwal Foundation, engaging with the children, playing games, and gifting footballs reinforcing a shared vision of empowerment and progress.
Extending the sporting experience beyond football and championing health & fitness, Hindustan Zinc has placed Udaipur on the global running map with the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, fondly known as ‘India’s Most Beautiful Marathon’. Its first edition brought together over 5,000 runners from across the globe, featuring the inspiring Race with Champions for specially-abled children and supporting the #RunForZeroHunger campaign by Nand Ghar. While the scenic route along Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravali Hills made it a runner’s delight, the true essence of the event lay in its inclusivity, resilience, and the collective purpose. With its second edition set to return on 21st September 2025, the marathon continues to unite communities, promote fitness, and champion a meaningful cause.
At Hindustan Zinc, we believe sport has the power to transform both individuals and communities,” said Arun Misra, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited. “From establishing India’s first-ever residential girls Zinc Football Academy to hosting the country’s most beautiful marathon in Zinc City – Udaipur, we are creating platforms that inspire confidence, discipline, and opportunity. These initiatives go beyond nurturing athletes – they foster healthier, more inclusive communities and contribute to India’s sporting and social progress.”
Beyond these flagship programmes, Hindustan Zinc has consistently invested in developing grassroots sports such as cricket, kabaddi, handball, and volleyball, supporting over 12,000 rural youth in FY25. The company’s tradition of nurturing grassroots talent dates back to 1976 at Zawar Stadium, where national football tournaments have been hosted for nearly half a century.
As part of its larger social impact vision, Hindustan Zinc has transformed the lives of more than 23 lakh people from over 2,300 villages. The company’s initiatives span across providing quality education for children, improved healthcare and nutrition through Nand Ghars, women’s empowerment via self-help groups and skill-building, and sustainable livelihoods that strengthen rural economies. The company also leads large-scale environment and biodiversity programmes, including mass plantations, habitat restoration, and water stewardship, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.
(India CSR)
