Sports Minister Attends Naupang League Programme

Aizawl, January 2026: The Naupang League, a children’s football competition jointly organised by the Reliance Foundation and the Mizoram Football Association (MFA), has achieved the milestone of completing 10,000 matches. To mark the occasion, a brief programme was organised today at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mualpui, Aizawl, which was attended by Sports Minister Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar. More than 3,500 children from various districts are currently participating in the Naupang League.

Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar said that, for the first time in India, the Reliance Foundation has implemented a well-structured grassroots football league in Mizoram aimed at providing systematic training and competitive exposure to young children. He stated that the Naupang League is extremely beneficial for the overall development of football, identification of young talent, and inculcation of discipline among children. He added that he felt proud to be associated with the initiative from its early stages and noted that the league has progressed far beyond initial expectations.

The Naupang League is being conducted in Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai, and Kolasib districts, and is designed for children aged between 6 and 14 years. The league began in 2022, with all expenses borne by the Reliance Foundation, while its implementation is carried out by the Mizoram Football Association and the respective District Football Associations. Through this league, children get the opportunity to play more than 30 competitive matches every year.

Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, who is also the President of the Mizoram Football Association, noted that earlier, Mizo children rarely had the chance to play organised matches under referees while wearing proper team jerseys during their formative years. Many players had represented India without even playing ten structured matches at the grassroots level. In contrast, children participating in the Naupang League now play over 30 competitive matches annually, which significantly improves their skills, confidence, and future prospects. He encouraged the young players to continue their dedication to the sport.

Apart from the Naupang League, a celebration was also held to mark the completion of 10,000 matches in the Coastal League, another initiative under the Reliance Foundation. The programme was led by MFA Honorary Secretary Shri Lalrengpuia and was attended by MFA officials, representatives of Reliance Foundation Young Champs, players, and parents of the participating children.