DIMAPUR, JUN 28 (NPN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended grassroots football initiatives in Nagaland, citing the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women Futsal League as models of how sport is fostering young talent and opening up new opportunities across the country.
Addressing the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi emphasised the rising interest among youth in pursuing sports careers and said such initiatives were shaping the future of Indian sport.
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.”
Referring to the Nagaland Baby League, he said the initiative was not an ordinary league but an “extraordinary” platform for children aged five to 12 years that inspired them, nurtured their speed and talent, and helped establish their identity.
He said the league was launched to connect as many children as possible in Nagaland with football, adding that both boys and girls in the age group participated.
Modi noted that the league had completed three years and had made a positive impact on children.
The Nagaland Baby League is designed to promote physical fitness among children while providing a platform to identify and nurture promising footballers from an early age
The Prime Minister also praised the Nagaland Women Futsal League, describing it as another commendable initiative in the state. “Another commendable initiative is underway in Nagaland: the ‘Nagaland Women Futsal League’. ‘Futsal’ might be a new term for some of you; let me explain that it is also known as indoor football. In each team, there are only five players, and the playing court is much smaller than a standard football field. Consequently, players must make quick decisions and effectively utilise their technique and skills,” Modi said.
He said the Nagaland Women Futsal League was providing an excellent platform for young women to showcase their talent.
The event aims to boost women’s participation in sport while providing a competitive platform for futsal players across the state.
Commending the people of Nagaland for both initiatives, Modi said their efforts served as an inspiration to other parts of the country.
