Guwahati, June 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised two grassroots football initiatives from Nagaland—the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League—describing them as inspiring models for nurturing young talent and promoting women’s sports in the country.

In the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the number of young Indians taking up sports as a career is growing rapidly and highlighted Nagaland’s efforts to build a sporting culture from the grassroots.

You will love these 2 efforts relating to boosting sports in Nagaland…#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/Pl92hFnhw9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026

“I have learned about two such initiatives in Nagaland that are quite interesting,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the Nagaland Baby League, Modi said it was “an extraordinary league” that not only inspires children but also helps nurture their speed, talent and identity.

Launched to connect as many children as possible with football, the league is open to boys and girls aged between five and 12 years and has now completed three years of operation.
“This league has had a positive impact on the children,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi also commended the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League, calling it a “wonderful platform” for young women to showcase their talent.

Explaining the concept of futsal, or indoor football, he said the smaller playing area and five-a-side format require players to make quick decisions and sharpen their technical skills.

“The Nagaland Women 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.

The Prime Minister’s remarks are being seen as a major recognition of Nagaland’s growing reputation as a footballing hub and its efforts to promote inclusive and grassroots sports development.

His praise comes at a time when the state has been increasingly investing in youth football and women’s participation in sports, with local leagues emerging as key platforms for identifying and nurturing talent from an early age.

Also Read: PM Modi pitches Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges for UNESCO tag in Mann Ki Baat

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