Current Affairs - State - Discussion

Nagaland received the SKOCH Silver Award in October 2026, in recognition of its Grassroots Football Festival, also known as the Baby League. The initiative is implemented by the Nagaland Youth Resources and Sports Department and was launched in June 2024. It aims to promote grassroots football among children aged 5 to 12 years by providing an inclusive environment for organised sporting activities. Matches are conducted in four age groups, with an emphasis on participation, enjoyment, and early talent identification rather than conventional competition. The SKOCH Award, established in 2003, recognises excellence in governance, finance, and social development. Nagaland became India's 16th state on December 1, 1963, and its capital is Kohima.