DIMAPUR, OCT 14 (NPN): The Youth Resources and Sports Department, Government of Nagaland, has been conferred the SKOCH Silver Award for its Grassroots Football Festival (Baby League), recognising its efforts to promote grassroots sports and encourage participation among children.
According to a DIPR release, the initiative was launched in June 2024 to introduce children to football at an early age and foster a sporting culture in the state. It provides children aged five to 12 years a platform to participate in organised football activities in an inclusive and engaging environment.
The Baby League features small-sided matches across four age categories: 5-6, 7-8, 9¬10 and 11-12 years. The programme emphasises participation, enjoyment, learning and overall development rather than conventional competition, while also enabling coaches to observe young players and identify emerging talent.
Since its inception, participation has grown from approximately 142 children in an earlier edition to around 420 in the third edition held in 2026, reflecting an encouraging response from children, parents and the sporting community.
The release stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also highlighted Nagaland’s grassroots football initiative during his Mann Ki Baat address in June 2026.
The department said the award marked an important milestone and would encourage further efforts to expand access to sports and strengthen an inclusive sporting culture across Nagaland.
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