Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday launched the second edition of Baby League football tournament which aims at getting 5000 children of the state between the age of 4 to 12 to play the game in the next four months.
He said the 'Baby League' is much more than just football and will bring about a holistic development of a child.
Sangma also urged the parents to give all the necessary support to their children.
"This baby league will not only help them in bringing out their talent but also give them important values of sportsmanship, team work and discipline. They will realise that life is about winning and losing as well," Conrad said at the inaugural event.
All India Football Federation vice president Larsing M Sawyan, who also heads the state body of the game, said the league will be expanded to six more districts this year with 54 teams participating in the tournament.
About 700 children had taken part in 30 matches in the first edition of the grassroot football league last year, organised by the Meghalaya Football Association with the support of the Tata Trust and the state government.
Sawyan said "The second edition of the league will have at least 5000 children of the age group 4 to 12. Some 150 coaches and 300 volunteers participate during the period."
The league is aimed at producing talents from the state in the next 10 years and will help India achieving its target of becoming a power house of football in Asia by 2030.
Sangma along with Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh unveiled the tournament trophy and also launched the Meghalaya Football Association website.
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