Nagaland Uses Football To Rally Communities Around Pangolin Conservation
What Happened
The second edition of the Pangolin Cup 2026 has begun in Meluri, Nagaland, bringing together eight local football teams from October 26-30 to raise awareness about pangolin conservation and illegal wildlife trade. The tournament is organised by the Wildlife Trust of India, Meluri Range Sports Association and Nagaland Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The initiative uses football to engage young people, community leaders and residents in protecting pangolins. More than 30 Pochury villages have already adopted resolutions prohibiting pangolin hunting, with a ₹50,000 fine for hunting or involvement in illegal wildlife trade.
Key Takeaways
Nagaland is using football’s popularity to turn wildlife protection into a community movement, combining sport with local action against pangolin hunting and trafficking.