New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Nagaland’s remarkable grassroots football initiatives, highlighting the state’s efforts to nurture young talent and promote women’s participation in sports during the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
Speaking to the nation, the Prime Minister praised the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League, describing them as inspiring examples of how community-driven sports programmes can transform lives and create opportunities for young athletes.
The Prime Minister noted that the Nagaland Baby League has successfully introduced football to children from an early age, providing boys and girls between five and twelve years with a structured platform to learn the sport, compete, and develop their skills. He said the initiative demonstrates how investing in grassroots sports can help identify future champions while fostering discipline, teamwork, and confidence among children.
Mr. Modi also commended the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League for empowering young women through sport. He observed that the league has become an important platform for female athletes to showcase their talent, encouraging greater participation of women in football and contributing to the broader goal of gender equality in sports.
Highlighting the significance of such initiatives, the Prime Minister said that sports have the power to unite communities and inspire positive social change. He remarked that the success of Nagaland’s football ecosystem serves as a model for other states seeking to strengthen grassroots sports development and discover emerging talent from every corner of the country.
Nagaland has steadily earned recognition as one of India’s leading football states, with sustained efforts by football associations, educational institutions, local communities, and volunteers to develop the game from the grassroots level. The Baby League, in particular, has become one of the country’s most successful youth football programmes, while the Women’s Futsal League has opened new avenues for aspiring female footballers.
The Prime Minister’s recognition on a national platform is expected to provide further momentum to football development in Nagaland and reinforce the state’s growing reputation as a hub for grassroots football excellence.
The appreciation comes at a time when India is placing increasing emphasis on sports development under the Khelo India initiative, with grassroots participation viewed as the foundation for producing future national and international sporting talent.