In a moment of immense pride for Zinc Football Academy, our Under-18 team striker Ashish Chetry has been called up for the India Under-20 Men’s National Team Camp, scheduled to be held in Karnataka.

As part of the selection process, the trials will take place from 15th to 18th June 2026 (four days), with selected players advancing to the final camp ahead of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers (29th August to 6th September 2026).

Leading the charge in our AIFF 3-star Academy setup in Zawar, Ashish emerged as one of the most lethal forwards in the country. The 2008-born striker enjoyed a sensational AIFF Under-18 Elite League 2025–26 campaign, scoring 25 goals in 21 matches, including five hat-tricks, finishing as the second-highest goal scorer in the national competition. His relentless pressing, sharp movement, and clinical finishing made him the focal point of ZFA’s attack, playing a key role in ZFA’s historic run to the final.

Ashish’s journey is as inspiring as his performances. Hailing from Udalguri in Assam, and born into a farmer’s family, his love for football began at a very young age, inspired by friends and supported strongly by his family. He honed his skills at SGVP FC in Gujarat, where he won the GSFA U-17 Club Championship in 2025 and was named Player of the Tournament. Having also represented Assam in multiple national tournaments, Ashish steadily built his reputation before joining Zinc Football Academy in 2025, where his talent has truly flourished.

Off the pitch, Ashish remains a grounded and soft-spoken Class 12 student, often drawing inspiration from his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, reflecting both ambition and humility in equal measure.

This national call-up is not just a recognition of Ashish’s exceptional season, but a landmark moment for Zinc Football, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing talent capable of performing at the highest levels of the game.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ashish and wish him the very best as he takes this significant step forward on the national stage.