Grassroots Football Festival Baby League 2026 draws over 400 in Kohima

Our Correspondent

KOHIMA —The Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) organised the Grassroots Football Festival Baby League 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Saturday, bringing together more than 400 young football enthusiasts from across the state to compete in various age categories.

Secretary of the Youth Resources and Sports Department Anthony Ngullie attended the event as the special guest and officially declared the festival open.

Addressing the gathering, Ngullie acknowledged the presence and support of parents, teachers and young football lovers, describing the Baby League as a grassroots football festival aimed at nurturing children from an early age.

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He noted that the initiative was launched by the department in 2024 with around 165 participants and has steadily grown over the years. According to him, the league now features four age categories—5–6 years, 7–8 years, 9–10 years and 11 years—and serves as a platform to encourage young sportspersons, particularly aspiring footballers.

Expressing satisfaction over the increased participation, Ngullie said this year's edition attracted more than 400 participants. He also appreciated the enthusiasm shown by the children despite the inclement weather.

Highlighting the department's vision, Ngullie referred to the slogan, “Catch them young and teach them right,” under which the grassroots football programme is being promoted. He said the initiative seeks to introduce children to sports at a young age so that they can gain experience, develop discipline and grow as athletes over time.