A match in progress during the 3rd edition of the Nagaland Baby League 2026 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on June 13. During the 135th episode of his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme on June 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the league as well as the Nagaland Women Futsal League for promoting grassroots football in the State. (Morung Photo)
NEW DELHI, JUNE 28 (MExN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised two grassroots football initiatives from Nagaland during the 135th episode of his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme, describing them as inspiring models for the rest of the country.
Highlighting the role of sports in nurturing young talent, Modi said the Nagaland Baby League has gone beyond being "just an ordinary league" by creating opportunities for children aged five to twelve to develop their football skills while building confidence and identity.
Launched to connect as many children as possible in Nagaland with football, he noted that the initiative, has successfully completed three years and has had a positive impact on participants.
The Prime Minister also commended the Nagaland Women Futsal League, saying it has provided an excellent platform for young women to showcase their talent in indoor football.
Explaining that futsal, also known as indoor football, demands quick decision-making and technical ability due to its smaller playing area and five-player teams, Modi said the league was providing a wonderful platform for girls 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," he said, according to the English rendering of Mann Ki Baat released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) through the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
It must be noted here that the the 3rd edition of Baby League 2026 held at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima on June 13 with participation of 420 young children from different parts of the state capital Kohima.
This event, designed for age categories of 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years and 11- 12 years for both girls & boys, was organised by Department of Youth Resources & Sports to promote physical fitness and to groom aspiring children to take up football as a career.
Meanwhile, besides Nagaland, the Prime Minister highlighted India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, public participation during the West Asia crisis, and the reach of government social security schemes. He also urged people to reject superstition through scientific thinking, praised Assam's Hargila conservation movement and Meghalaya's living root bridges.
He further batted for integrating technology with India's knowledge traditions through Nalanda University and the Central Sanskrit University, and advocated the use of eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols, and renewed the call for rainwater conservation under the Catch the Rain campaign.
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