HINDUSTAN ZINC’S ZINC FOOTBALL ACADEMY TALENT MOHAMMED KAIF JOINS TOP ISL CLUB HYDERABAD FC

Udaipur : Hindustan Zinc's (NSE: HINDZINC) Zinc Football Academy talent, 16-year-old defender Mohammed Kaif, has secured a five-year contract with the 2021 Indian Super League Champions Hyderabad FC.

Born to a former Santosh Trophy player Mohammed Sayeed, this transfer marks a significant milestone in the journey of the talented youngster from Makrana in Rajasthan, who has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Indian Football.

Mohammed Kaif earlier became the first footballer from Rajasthan in more than 40 years to represent India. He excelled on the international stage in both 2023 and 2024, cementing Rajasthan’s growing prominence in football under Hindustan Zinc’s support. He won two SAFF Cup titles and also played in the AFC Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers. He is currently at the India Under-20 training camp, ahead of the Under-20 SAFF Cup in May 2025.

Kaif’s rise began at the AIFF 3-star rated Academy when he was scouted at the age of 10 back in 2018. His fantastic development, courtesy of the coaches at the Academy, culminated in an outstanding campaign at the AIFF Under-17 Youth League last season, further solidifying his reputation as a top young talent, attracting nationwide attention. The centre-back, who is a fan of Spaniard Sergio Ramos, stands tall as an inspiration for lakhs of rural and tribal talent who dream to achieve big in football.

Speaking on Kaif’s successful transfer, Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc, said: “We are extremely proud that a top Indian club like Hyderabad FC has recognised Mohammed Kaif’s immense potential at such a young age. He is an inspiration for his generation, especially in Rajasthan. Kaif’s success, along with our player Sahil Poonia’s transfer to Bengaluru FC, motivates us to continue in our mission of nurturing such hidden talents from our communities and contribute positively towards the development of Indian Football.”

Delighted to welcome Kaif on his new journey, Dhruv Sood, Chief Executive Officer, Hyderabad FC, said: “We are excited to welcome Mohammed Kaif to Hyderabad FC. We have tracked his progress over some time and are happy that he sees HFC as the perfect platform for his further development. He has been integral to the India Under-17 national team, captaining the side at the international stage as well. At Hyderabad FC, we want to provide a platform for talented young players to fulfil their potential. We are confident that he can continue to grow as a player and become an important asset to HFC in the coming years.”

Kaif’s signing also marks the second major transfer from Zinc Football Academy, following goalkeeper Sahil Poonia’s signing with Bengaluru FC in 2022.

Zinc Football Academy, a flagship initiative of Hindustan Zinc, has consistently produced exciting talents for the national team. In addition to Mohammed Kaif, Prem Hansdak, Sahil Poonia and Ashish Mayla have already represented India on the international stage. This incredible achievement brings to light the Zawar-based Academy’s commitment to excellence from the grassroots level. With The Football Link as the Strategy and Implementation Partner, the Academy further consolidates its role in the betterment of Rajasthan as well as Indian Football.

Hindustan Zinc has promoted sports for nearly five decades, building the Zawar football stadium in 1976 and hosting annual national tournaments since then. The company’s legacy extends to supporting athletes who have earned international accolades, reflecting.

Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to community development extends beyond this with focus on areas like education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. The company has positively impacted nearly 20 lakh people across 3,700 villages in Rajasthan, with a focus on empowering women and youth. Initiatives like Shiksha Sambal and Unchi Udaan provide academic support and engineering career preparation for underprivileged students, while health camps and mobile units deliver essential healthcare to rural communities.

Programs such as Sakhi and Samadhan promote sustainable livelihoods, offering skill development and modern agricultural techniques to rural women and farmers. Hindustan Zinc’s holistic approach ranks it among India’s top 10 CSR contributors, driving education, health, and women empowerment across Rajasthan.