Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, praised Nagaland's grassroots football initiatives, emphasizing how such programmes are nurturing young talent and creating new opportunities across India. He specifically highlighted the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women Futsal League as inspiring examples of sports development at the grassroots level.
Nagaland Baby League: A Platform for Young Footballers
The Prime Minister noted that the Nagaland Baby League is designed for children aged 5 to 12 years, covering both boys and girls across four age categories: 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12 years. He described it as an extraordinary league that not only inspires children and nurtures their speed and talent but also helps establish their identity. The league has completed three years of operation and aims to connect as many children as possible in Nagaland with football, while providing a platform to identify and nurture promising footballers from an early age.
PM Modi said, "I often say, 'Those who play, blossom.' Today, the number of young people in the country who are both playing sports and blossoming is growing rapidly. Compared to the past, far more young people are now pursuing sports as a career. I have learned about two such initiatives in Nagaland that are quite interesting. The first initiative is the 'Nagaland Baby League'. Hearing the name, you might presume this is just an ordinary league for very young children, but that is not the case." He added that the league provides opportunities for further coaching and training based on participants' performances.
Nagaland Women Futsal League: Boosting Women's Participation
The Prime Minister also applauded the Nagaland Women's Futsal League, which is an indoor football format with five players per team on a smaller court. He explained that futsal requires quick decision-making and effective use of technique and skills. The tournament aims to boost women's participation in sports and provides a competitive platform for futsal players across the state.
PM Modi remarked, "The Nagaland Women's Futsal League is providing a wonderful platform for our daughters to showcase their talent. I commend the people of Nagaland for such initiatives; these efforts serve as an inspiration to other parts of the country as well." The second edition of the league was organized by the Youth Resources and Sports Department, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association, from May 11 to 16, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. The tournament featured a total prize pool of Rs 2 lakh, with individual honours including Best Player, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, and other awards.
Impact and Future Prospects
These initiatives reflect a growing interest among Indian youngsters in pursuing sports as a career. The Prime Minister emphasized that such grassroots programmes are helping shape the future of Indian sports by providing early exposure and training. The Nagaland Baby League, in particular, has completed three successful years and continues to expand its reach, while the Women's Futsal League is encouraging greater female participation in football. Both programmes serve as models for other states to emulate, according to PM Modi.
The Prime Minister's remarks underscore the government's focus on promoting sports at the grassroots level, aligning with the broader vision of transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. The initiatives in Nagaland are seen as key steps in identifying and nurturing talent from a young age, thereby contributing to the country's sports ecosystem.
