In Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), the Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs) are doing more than just implementing government schemes and overseeing projects. They’ve embraced an exciting new role: actively identifying and nurturing athletic talent, and organizing events to help local sportspeople hone their abilities.
The BTR, a region of five districts bordering Bhutan, falls under the administration of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Approximately a year ago, the BTC government initiated an ambitious project to transform the BTR into a dynamic hub for grassroots sports development in India. This involved empowering VCDCs to scout promising athletes and establish supportive environments, with a primary focus on football, the region’s most beloved sport.
After months of dedicated preparation and crucial financial and infrastructure support from the BTR government, the inaugural multi-tiered Bodoland Chief Executive Member Cup festival took place in June. This innovative tournament featured matches among village teams across all five BTR districts: Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar, Tamulpur, and Udalguri.
Swmdwn Muchahary, the Council Head of Department (Sports), explained the inclusive structure: “The best teams from the VCDC-level tournaments advanced to compete at the BTC constituency level. Winners there moved on to district-level contests, ultimately vying for the prestigious council-level cup. This tiered approach guaranteed broad participation and accessibility, connecting players from the remotest villages right up to the highest council stage.”
This grand football event attracted an astonishing 3,760 teams and 67,680 players, with nearly half being girls and women. The success of this initiative even garnered praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during one of his monthly radio addresses, where he lauded it as a celebration of “unity and hope.”
The mention of “unity” underscored the diverse ethnic fabric of the BTR, a region historically marked by communal tensions but now home to 26 distinct ethnic and religious communities working together.
Elevating Facilities for Future Champions
While the BTR has long been a rich reservoir of talent, producing numerous footballers, archers, boxers, and sprinters for Assam, the region previously suffered from a scarcity of proper training facilities. This deficiency was largely a legacy of its past struggles with extremism and political unrest.
However, a significant shift began post-COVID pandemic. The BTR government embarked on a mission, partnering with both State and Central agencies to develop modern sports training centers, advanced rehabilitation facilities, and new stadiums.
Mr. Muchahary highlighted this evolution, stating, “What started as humble, locally organized competitions has blossomed into a comprehensive, coordinated effort, blending widespread community engagement with elite coaching, cutting-edge sports science, and large-scale participation events.”
The VCDCs truly acted as the initial ‘gardeners,’ planting the seeds of athletic potential and nurturing them until they were ready to be guided by more specialized coaching and development programs.
This commitment to superior infrastructure led to the establishment of the High-Performance Sports Training and Rehabilitation Centre in Kokrajhar by mid-2025. This facility, the third of its kind in Assam, was developed through collaborations with State sports authorities and corporate partners. It provides comprehensive services including advanced injury management, biomechanical and physiological assessments, tailored nutritional guidance, and essential recovery programs.
In addition to a state-of-the-art, FIFA-standard football ground in Kokrajhar—featuring a sand-based drainage and sprinkler system, a first for the northeastern region—the BTC government has also launched a ₹180 crore sports academy in Udalguri, with plans for more academies to follow.
To further enrich the sporting landscape, the council government ingeniously merged modern athletic activities with traditional indigenous festivals. Events like the annual Baokhungri festival, held just before the mid-April Bihu (or its Bodo equivalent, Bwisagu), now incorporate both conventional and adventure sports, ensuring gender-inclusive participation and celebrating cultural heritage alongside athletic prowess.