Guwahati : In a pioneering effort to promote mental health well-being in Northeast India, former IGP Nitul Gogoi has taken a significant step by establishing the Northeast Aainball Association in Guwahati. This initiative aims to strengthen the physical and mental resilience of children and youth across the region.

The decision to form the association was announced during a visit by Pratap Singh, founder and CEO of Aainball, who highlighted the importance of evolving our understanding of National Security moving beyond mere military strength to include individual health and well-being as critical national assets.

“Times have changed,” Pratap Singh remarked. “From tribal chiefdoms to Mahajanpadas (Magadha), Mighty Empires (Maurya), and post-colonial nation-states, the focus of security now extends beyond borders. It encompasses the holistic well-being of individuals, which is the primary responsibility of any government—and also of us civilians.”

IPS Nitul Gogoi emphasized the urgent need to skill youth, identify early talent for the upcoming 2036 Olympics, and actively involve families in fitness activities to foster mental resilience. “It is our collective duty,” he stressed, “to build a healthy, united, and resilient society.” He further stated that “traditional activities must evolve to meet modern sports demands, preparing our children to compete on global platforms.”

Aainball, a simple yet highly effective contactless sport involving vibrant, multi-colored balls, is designed to foster physical, mental, and social skills among children. Requiring minimal resources and space, it is ideal for widespread adoption across the region.

“This sport promotes health, unity, and peace,” explained Azo Nienu (Chief- Nagaland Aainball), “and provides a valuable platform for early talent development.”

During Aainball board members visited relief camps in Manipur, Former DG NDRF P.M Nair with Pratap reassured the local community: “We stand with you and Aainball will play a catalyst role in this’.

FIAB board member Prof. G.D Sharma emphasized that establishing Aainball’s Int’l headquarters in India can serve as a major step forward in sports diplomacy, offering Indian youth international platforms.

Unlike many Olympic sports traditionally headquartered abroad—including wrestling—Aainball’s presence in India will elevate the nation’s role in global sports governance.

Ashwini Sharma, Chief Assam Aainball, praised the efforts done by Aainball India Chairperson Admiral S.N Ghormade Rtd. and this sport’s potential: “Aainball (Envision by YOTI FOUNDATION) is a powerful tool for uniting tribes, fostering peace, and nurturing a vibrant sporting culture that aligns with UNESCO’s mission of ‘Fit4Life’ and SDG-3.”

Deependra Mehta (Member Aainball Council) highlighted that “sports are a fundamental human right.” He emphasized the adverse effects of physical inactivity, especially among children and families, and called for concerted efforts to promote activities like Aainball to support national developmental goals like Viksit Bharat.

To advance this vision at the grassroots level, Gogoi announced that a demonstration event for stakeholders will be organized very soon in Guwahati. This event will feature the two-time national champion Assam Aainball team (Leded by Dipankar Kalita) and will involve influential personalities from various sectors.

The goal is to establish a strong association committed to harnessing Northeast talent towards the 2036 Olympics and beyond. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, the Education Department, and local organizations.

Council member Biswdeep Gupta concluded, “Together we can build a peaceful, strong, and prosperous nation—nurturing our children through the heritage of traditional strength and the power of modern sports.”

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