Himesh meena

Elite League Zonal Round: Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) has advanced to the Final Round of the AIFF Under-18 Elite League 2025–26 after a solid showing in the Zonal Round, with local talents from Zawar contributing significantly to the Academy’s achievement.

ZFA has enjoyed an impressive zonal round campaign so far, securing 11 wins from 14 matches, along with two draws and only one defeat, to comfortably confirm a spot in the Final Round. The Academy’s home record has been particularly notable, remaining unbeaten in all seven home matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding none. The zonal round, which began in November 2025, follows a home-and-away format where each team faces the other twice.

Himesh Meena from Zawar is a vital team member, having joined the Academy two years ago. After an injury in last season’s Final Round of the national youth league that sidelined him for nearly four months, he has made a remarkable return this season. Mainly playing as a forward and also helping in midfield, he has become a key player, scoring important goals, connecting play, and setting up chances for others.