Beyond their usual duties of implementing government programs and overseeing projects, the Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs) in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) have taken on an exciting new role: discovering and nurturing local sports talent. They’re also actively organizing events to help young athletes sharpen their abilities.
The BTR, a vibrant region made up of five districts bordering Bhutan, is managed by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Roughly a year ago, the BTC government initiated a groundbreaking project: to transform the BTR into a dynamic hub for grassroots sports development in India. This involved empowering local VCDCs to identify promising athletes and cultivate an environment where they could thrive, starting with the universally beloved sport of football.
After months of diligent preparation and crucial financial and infrastructural support from the BTR government, the inaugural multi-tiered Bodoland Chief Executive Member Cup festival was held in June. This innovative tournament featured matches between village teams across all five BTR districts: Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar, Tamulpur, and Udalguri.
Swmdwn Muchahary, the Council Head of Department (Sports), explained the progressive structure: ‘The top teams from the VCDC-level tournaments advanced to compete within their respective BTC constituencies. Winners from this stage then moved on to district-level contests, culminating in a grand battle for the council-level cup. This unique approach guaranteed broad participation and ensured accessibility for athletes from the very smallest communities all the way up to the regional council stage.’
The football festival was a monumental success, drawing an incredible 3,760 teams and 67,680 players, with nearly half being girls and women. This impressive turnout even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the initiative on one of his monthly radio shows, praising it as a testament to ‘unity and hope.’
The mention of ‘unity’ was particularly significant, given the BTR’s history as a communally sensitive area. Today, the region proudly hosts 26 distinct ethnic and religious groups.
Beyond the Basics: Empowering Athletes with Advanced Facilities
While the BTR has always been a hotbed of talent, producing numerous footballers, archers, boxers, and sprinters for Assam, the region previously suffered from a significant lack of proper training and development facilities. This deficit was largely a consequence of its past struggles with extremism and political unrest.
However, the tide began to turn following the COVID pandemic. The BTR government forged partnerships with both State and Central agencies, leading to the establishment of modern sports training centers, essential rehabilitation facilities, and impressive new stadiums.
Mr. Muchahary emphasized the program’s evolution, stating that ‘what started as simple, local competitions has blossomed into a comprehensive, coordinated effort. This initiative now integrates broad community engagement, high-level coaching, advanced sports science, and large-scale participation events.’
In essence, the VCDCs act as dedicated ‘gardeners,’ planting the initial seeds of athletic potential and nurturing them until they are ready to be cultivated further by specialized trainers and programs.
This commitment to superior infrastructure led to the opening of the High-Performance Sports Training and Rehabilitation Centre in Kokrajhar in mid-2025. As Assam’s third such facility, developed through collaboration with State sports authorities and corporate partners, the center provides cutting-edge services including advanced injury management, detailed biomechanical and physiological assessments, comprehensive nutritional guidance, and vital recovery support.
In addition to establishing a FIFA-standard football ground in Kokrajhar—complete with a sand-based drainage and sprinkler system, a first for the entire northeastern region—the BTC government also launched a ₹180 crore sports academy in Udalguri. Plans are already underway for more such academies to follow.
To further enrich the sporting landscape, the council government cleverly blended modern athletic pursuits with traditional indigenous festivals. Events like the annual Baokhungri, held just before the mid-April Bihu or its Bodo counterpart, Bwisagu, now feature integrated adventure sports, ensuring these celebrations are vibrant and gender-inclusive.