New Delhi: The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Naupang League has been hailed by former Indian national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia as a powerful initiative for maximizing the footballing skills in Mizoram. In an effort to find young people who are interested in the sport, Bhutia has urged for the holding of additional competitions of this kind in other parts of the nation.
He has urged all parties involved to support him in this endeavor. The 47 year old, a native of Sikkim, praised Mizoram’s passion for the game and the way the state has managed to produce exceptional players in a variety of age levels despite having little funding.
This is what Bhaichung Bhutia had to say
Here’s what Indian Football Legend Bhaichung Bhutia had to say about the RFYC Naupang League and the impact it has on grassroot development in India ⚽️⏫
| #WeCare | #YouthFootball | #RFYC | #IndianFootball | #YoungChamps | #NaupangLeague | pic.twitter.com/lUM0g1NtB2
— RFYC (@RFYoungChamps) October 8, 2024
Bhaichung Bhutia said that he visited that particular state a few times and that he is aware of their fervor there. Football is the only sport they participate in despite the fact that it is a small state, Mizoram has produced a large number of players who have gone on to play for India in various age categories, which speaks volumes about the state’s football culture.
He also stated that we need to do much more in terms of grassroots. It’s not going to be enough only in Mizoram or in the North East. We need to spread across India. He further added that it’s a fantastic beginning and this is a ground breaking initiative. Furthermore, he hopes that the RFYC Naupang League is successful so that it can be adopted throughout the nation.
RFYC Naupang League
𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄! 👇🚨
Meet the teams determined to play football the right way!#WeCare | #YouthFootball | #IndianFootball | #SayNoToAgeFraud | #ShowAgeFraudARedCard | #StayYourAgeCup | @MizoramFootball @demposcofficial @fcmadras @FCGoaOfficial @bengalurufc… pic.twitter.com/dH7n7Dxrw9
— RFYC (@RFYoungChamps) September 11, 2024
Launched in November 2022, the RFYC Naupang League serves age groups U-6, U-8, U-10, U-12, and U-14 and lasts nine months in four districts in Mizoram: Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, and Lunglei. The Naupang League, which is run by the RYFC to offer organized matchdays and frequent training exposure, consists of 12 teams in each of the five age groups indicated above.
Each team plays 33 matches. The RFYC District League, meanwhile, will be held in Kolasib and Lunglei. It will start with 21 games in a three-leg competition for the same age groups, with each side potentially playing up to four extra games for further competitive exposure. In order to carry the idea to new areas of the nation, Bhutia has pleaded with the government at all levels for sufficient support.
Over 2,350 boys and girls from 184 teams competed in the previous edition of the Naupang League, which has already completed two successful seasons. In addition, 36 referees attended the referee licensing sessions, 23 of whom were granted Level 8 licenses. On October 12, 2024, Aizawl will host Matchday five of the current Season three.
The Indian football icon, Bhaichung Bhutia, had some interesting things to says, as he praised the development and talked about how can Indian football develop further. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
