Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) for its inspiring transformation from a conflict-prone area to a hub of football talent.
He highlighted the determination and resilience of the region’s youth, who have earned national recognition through their achievements on the football field.
Speaking during his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, Modi said that Bodoland now stands with a new identity, marked by the energy and confidence of its youth.
Referring to the ongoing Bodoland CEM Cup, he described the event as more than a sporting tournament, calling it a celebration of unity and hope.
Over 3,700 teams and nearly 70,000 players, including a significant number of girls, are participating in the event, showcasing the region’s transformation into a key player on India’s sports map.
The Prime Minister celebrated the achievements of footballers from Bodoland, such as Halicharan Narzary, Durga Boro, Apurna Narzary, and Manabir Basumatary.
He called these players symbols of a new generation that has elevated Bodoland from local fields to the national stage, overcoming challenges with limited resources and inspiring others across the country.
Modi reflected on Bodoland’s past, when it was defined by conflict and limited opportunities. Today, he said, the region’s youth are brimming with dreams and courage, reflecting a journey toward self-reliance and progress.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a social media post, echoed Modi’s sentiments, highlighting the transformation of BTR under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
He described the Bodoland CEM Cup as a symbol of how the region’s youth power is being harnessed to nurture talent rather than terror.
Sarma added that the shift from insurgency to peace in BTR over the past five years is a testament to the Prime Minister’s commitment to the Northeast.
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The Bodoland CEM Cup 1.0, which began on June 15, spans all five districts of the region.
Featuring 420 Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs) and structured in four phases, the event has a total budget of ₹6.44 crore and prize money amounting to ₹72.55 lakh.
This tournament stands as a powerful representation of Bodoland’s journey from unrest to unity, blending sportsmanship with hope for a brighter future.
