Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s top zinc producer and part of the Vedanta Group, is transforming lives through extensive sports initiatives that have impacted close to 30,000 people across the country. By promoting sports like football, volleyball, kabaddi, athletics, and marathons, the company is providing rural youth with meaningful opportunities beyond traditional career paths. These programs are focused not only on athletic development but also on creating access to scholarships, career pathways in sports, and broader employment opportunities.
The foundation of these efforts lies in Zinc Football — a fully residential football academy in Zawar, Rajasthan. Recognized by the All India Football Federation with a 3-star rating and named ‘Sports Academy of the Year’ at the 2024 Sport India Awards, the academy has become one of the country’s leading grassroots training centers. In a significant step toward gender inclusion, the company has also launched India’s first residential football academy for girls, starting with 20 under-15 players. Rural talents like Mohammad Kaif and Sahil Poonia have risen from this platform to represent the nation, showcasing the academy’s success in nurturing future stars.
To encourage community engagement and physical fitness, Hindustan Zinc also introduced the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur. Nicknamed “India’s Most Beautiful Marathon,” the event drew more than 5,000 runners in its debut edition. It featured inclusive initiatives like the Race with Champions for children with special needs and supported social campaigns such as #RunForZeroHunger. The scenic race course through Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravali Hills added to the appeal, while its focus remained on community, health, and purpose. The marathon returns for its second edition on September 21, 2025.
“Our belief is that sports have the power to bring real change — for individuals and society,” said Arun Misra, CEO & Whole-time Director of Hindustan Zinc. “From launching India’s first residential girls’ football academy to hosting large-scale marathons, our aim is to build platforms that inspire confidence, discipline, and opportunity.”
Beyond flagship programs, Hindustan Zinc has supported grassroots-level sports across cricket, kabaddi, handball, and volleyball, reaching over 12,000 youth in FY25 alone. These efforts continue a long-standing tradition dating back to 1976, with Zawar Stadium playing a key role in hosting national football tournaments for nearly five decades.
Hindustan Zinc’s broader community impact includes transforming the lives of over 2.3 million people in 2,300+ villages. The company works on various social initiatives — including quality education for children, better healthcare and nutrition through its Nand Ghar centers, women’s empowerment through skill-building and self-help groups, and sustainable livelihood programs that boost rural economies. It also leads large-scale environmental efforts, including afforestation, biodiversity restoration, and water conservation.
Hindustan Zinc Limited is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top five silver producers globally. With operations in more than 40 countries and a 77% market share in India’s primary zinc market, the company plays a central role in global metal supply. Recognized for its sustainability leadership, it was named the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by S&P Global for the second consecutive year in 2024.
In 2025, Hindustan Zinc became the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM). The company also introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand, with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. It is certified as 3.32 times water positive and is committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by or before 2050. Hindustan Zinc ranks among India’s top 10 companies in corporate social responsibility, consistently investing in long-term, impact-driven community programs.
