PM Modi gives shoutout to Nagaland’s grassroots football on Mann Ki Baat

DIMAPUR — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Nagaland's grassroots football movement, spotlighting the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women's Futsal League in his monthly Mann Ki Baat address and describing the two initiatives as inspiring models for nurturing young talent and promoting women's participation in sports.

In the 135th episode of the radio programme, Modi said that India's sporting landscape was changing rapidly, with increasing numbers of young people pursuing sports as a career, and highlighted Nagaland's grassroots efforts as an example worthy of emulation.

"I have learned about two such initiatives in Nagaland that are quite interesting," the prime minister said.

Referring to the Nagaland Baby League, Modi described it as "an extraordinary league" that not only inspires children to play football but also helps nurture their speed, talent and identity from an early age.

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Launched to introduce football to children between the ages of five and 12, the league is open to both boys and girls and has completed three years of operation. "This league has had a positive impact on the children," Modi said.

The prime minister also praised the Nagaland Women's Futsal League, calling it "a wonderful platform" for young women to showcase their talent.

Explaining futsal as a five-a-side indoor version of football, Modi said that the smaller playing area demands quicker decision-making and sharper technical skills from players.

"The Nagaland Women's Futsal League is providing a wonderful platform for our daughters to showcase their talent. I commend the people of Nagaland for such initiatives; these efforts serve as an inspiration to other parts of the country as well," he said.