Nagaland's Grassroots Football Festival wins the SKOCH Silver Award as Baby League participation grows from 142 to 420 children
DIMAPUR — Nagaland's Grassroots Football Festival, popularly known as the Baby League, has won the SKOCH Silver Award for its efforts to promote football among children and strengthen grassroots sports development in the state.
Launched by the Youth Resources and Sports Department in June 2024, the annual initiative provides children aged five to 12 years with an opportunity to play organised football in an inclusive environment that prioritises participation, enjoyment and learning over competition, stated a DIPR update on Wednesday.
Participation has grown from around 142 children in an earlier edition to approximately 420 in the third edition held in 2026, reflecting increasing interest among children, parents and the sporting community, the department said.
The festival features small-sided matches across four age groups — five to six, seven to eight, nine to 10, and 11 to 12 years — allowing children to develop their skills through age-appropriate games. The programme also offers coaches an opportunity to observe young players and identify emerging talent.
The initiative received national attention in June 2026 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Nagaland's grassroots football efforts during his Mann Ki Baat address, underlining the importance of encouraging sports participation among young children.
The department described the SKOCH Silver Award as recognition of its efforts to expand access to sports and nurture a sporting culture from an early age.