PM Modi Highlights Nagaland's Football Initiatives in Mann Ki Baat

In his latest Mann Ki Baat episode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Nagaland's grassroots football initiatives, including the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women's Futsal League. He highlighted how these programs are instrumental in nurturing young talent and creating opportunities in sports. The Nagaland Baby League, aimed at children aged 5 to 12, promotes physical fitness and identifies promising footballers, while the Women's Futsal League encourages female participation in the sport. Modi's remarks underscore the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future of Indian sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 13:15 IST

Celebrating Grassroots Football in Nagaland

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the grassroots football initiatives in Nagaland, specifically the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women Futsal League. He emphasized how these programs are cultivating young talent and creating new opportunities in sports across India during the 135th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat.

Modi remarked, "I often say, those who play, blossom. Today, we see a significant increase in young individuals pursuing sports as a career. I have come across two remarkable initiatives in Nagaland that are noteworthy. The first is the 'Nagaland Baby League.' While the name may suggest it's just a typical league for young children, it is much more than that."

Insights on the Nagaland Baby League

He elaborated, "This league is extraordinary for children aged 5 to 12, nurturing their talent and helping them establish their identity. It aims to connect as many children as possible in Nagaland with football. Boys and girls aged five to twelve are eligible to participate, and the league has successfully completed three years of operation, positively impacting the children involved."

The Nagaland Baby League focuses on promoting physical fitness while providing a platform to identify and nurture promising young footballers. It is structured into four age categories: 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, and 11-12 years, with talented participants receiving opportunities for advanced coaching based on their performance.

Nagaland Women's Futsal League

The Prime Minister also praised the Nagaland Women's Futsal League for fostering women's participation in football and providing a competitive environment for aspiring players. "Another commendable initiative is the 'Nagaland Women Futsal League.' For those unfamiliar, futsal is a form of indoor football played with five players on a smaller court, requiring quick decision-making and skillful play," Modi explained.

"The Nagaland Women's Futsal League offers a fantastic platform for our daughters to showcase their abilities. I applaud the people of Nagaland for these initiatives, which serve as an inspiration to other regions of the country," he added.

The second edition of the Nagaland Women's Futsal League 2026 was held from May 11 to 16 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, organized by the Youth Resources and Sports Department in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association. The tournament aimed to enhance women's participation in sports and featured a total prize pool of Rs 2 lakh, with awards for Best Player, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, and other categories recognizing exceptional performances.