Bamboo World Cup Trophy in Nagaland
Guwahati: Celebration has found a new face in Nagaland’s Ungma village, where football fever has turned into a striking display of local craftsmanship. As the ongoing FIFA World Cup continues to captivate fans across the globe, a group of youth from the village has built a towering 15-foot replica of the World Cup trophy — crafted entirely out of bamboo — for the first time.
The structure is more than just a tribute to football. For Zulumanen Jamir and his friends, who conceived and built it, the aim was to inspire young people in a unique way. “Every four years, we watch the World Cup without fail, but many of us have always dreamed of seeing the real trophy, which is nearly impossible for most people. So we decided to create a replica so that everyone in Nagaland could experience the thrill of seeing the trophy up close and feel as if they were watching the matches live,” Zulumanen said.
He shared that the trophy was made using around 70 freshly cut bamboos collected from the fringes of their village. The bamboo was sliced into strips and interwoven to form the model. Construction began last Sunday and was completed by Thursday — just hours before the first match kicked off.
“The villagers helped us build the trophy statue, which was entirely self-funded. We worked late into the night to finish it on time despite weather challenges, and I’m glad it turned out as expected,” he added. Football in Nagaland is deeply rooted in the culture — it’s more than a sport; it’s a way of life and a unifying force. From children to elders, everyone has a favourite team, and homes are adorned with team flags to show support. Zulumanen believes the enthusiasm among youths this year is higher than in previous tournaments.
“Our village in Mokokchung district is quite large. Earlier, we played on open fields and roads, but now, with football and futsal turfs available, most youths prefer playing there because of the better facilities — even though it costs Rs 1,000 per hour,” he said.
The bamboo trophy has been installed at the main gate of Senayangba Govt Higher Secondary School along the NH-2 stretch. After the tournament concludes, the statue will remain as a community possession — a lasting symbol of creativity and passion.
The trophy was made using around 70 freshly cut bamboos collected from the fringes of their village.
