UDAIPUR, January 24, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): The 46th All India Mohan Kumar Mangalam Hindustan Zinc Football Tournament commenced on Saturday at the MKM Stadium in Zawar, marking the beginning of a 10-day football festival that will run from January 24 to February 2. The prestigious tournament is being hosted by Zawar Mines Mazdoor Sangh with the support of Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company.

The tournament was inaugurated by chief guest and renowned Indian professional footballer Arindam Bhattacharya. The opening ceremony was attended by Operations Head, Zawar Group of Mines Radha Raman, MKM Organising Committee Secretary Punit Bordia, Coordinator Parvez Pathan, and Mazdoor Sangh General Secretary Lalu Ram Meena, along with several other dignitaries.

A total of 12 teams from across the country are participating in the tournament, showcasing competitive football, teamwork, and sporting spirit. Over 20,000 spectators are expected to witness the matches during the 10-day event, underlining the tournament’s popularity in the region.

The opening match saw an exciting clash between Doon Star Football Club, Dehradun, and Rajasthan Police, Bikaner. Prior to the match, the stadium witnessed a colourful tableau presentation and an attractive dance performance by school children, adding cultural vibrancy to the sporting event. Being held continuously for the past 46 years under the joint aegis of the Mazdoor Sangh and Hindustan Zinc management, the MKM Tournament is considered a major achievement and a matter of pride for the region.

Addressing the gathering, Arindam Bhattacharya said that the MKM Tournament is a strong example of how SPORTS can strengthen communities, instil discipline, and ignite ambition among young athletes. He praised Hindustan Zinc for preserving the tournament’s 46-year legacy and said it reflects the company’s deep belief in the power of grassroots football.

The participating teams include Hindustan Zinc Eleven, Kashmir United Football Club (Kashmir), Ram Mohammed Singh Azad Football Club (Punjab), Central Secretariat (Delhi), BSF (West Bengal), RT Boys Football Club (Hyderabad), Income Tax Football Club (Ahmedabad), Doon Star Football Club (Dehradun), DFA Udaipur, Rajasthan Police (Bikaner), Rever De Sporting Club (Sikkim), and KSEB (Thiruvananthapuram).

For nearly four decades, Hindustan Zinc has maintained a strong association with sports promotion in the region. The establishment of the Zawar Football Stadium in 1976 marked a significant milestone. The MKM Tournament also aligns with the company’s Zinc City initiative, aimed at preserving Udaipur’s cultural and sporting heritage through various programmes.

With its rich football legacy, Zawar has long been recognised as an important football hub in Rajasthan. Through initiatives such as the Zinc Football Academy, including India’s first all-girls residential football academy, Hindustan Zinc continues to provide world-class training and resources to young athletes. The MKM Tournament remains a flagship event, celebrating the spirit of football while highlighting Zawar’s significant contribution to Indian football.