Aizawl, January 31, 2026: In a significant step towards nurturing young football talent in Mizoram, the Reliance Foundation and Mizoram Football Association (MFA) jointly launched the Naupang League, a football initiative aimed at providing opportunities for children aged 6 to 14. The launch event was graced by Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, the state’s Sports Minister, who emphasized the importance of football in shaping discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship among the youth.
The Sports Minister highlighted that the initiative is designed to develop football skills among young players and is a part of a larger plan to establish a competitive football culture in the region. “The Naupang League will not only promote football but also encourage discipline and respect for the game among the young participants,” he said.
The Naupang League will be organized in key districts of Mizoram, including Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai, and Kolasib, and aims to engage children from the ages of 6 to 14 in competitive football matches. The league was first introduced in 2022 by the Reliance Foundation, with Mizoram Football Association and local District Football Associations playing a pivotal role in its organization.
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This year’s edition of the Naupang League saw an impressive participation of around 3,500 children from various districts, with over 30 competitive matches being held throughout the year. The league has proven to be a platform for identifying and nurturing future football stars from Mizoram.
Minister Hmar expressed his optimism about the league’s potential to inspire more young people to take up the sport and urged further support from the community to help develop football in Mizoram, ensuring that the state’s football talent is recognized nationally.
Through the Reliance Foundation’s continuous support and the collaborative efforts of the MFA and District Football Associations, the Naupang League is poised to become an essential part of Mizoram's football ecosystem, contributing to the growth of the sport and the development of young athletes.
