In a notable collaboration that highlights the role of sports in promoting sustainable conservation, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) partnered with Africa’s Bola Bola Sports for All Wildlife Forever to organize a “conservation-focused” football tournament at the Golia Football Ground in Biswanath Wildlife Division of Assam on February 11 and 12, 2026. The tournament showcased spirited participation with eight men’s teams, four women’s teams, and two under-17 teams, culminating in a celebration of teamwork and sportsmanship.
The tournament results indicated significant wins, with Team Biswanath Town Club being crowned Men’s Winners, while Team Uddipta Chowra, Bedeti claimed the women’s title. In the men’s category, Team Golia F.C. was recognized as the Runners-Up, and Team Sakhomata Tea Estate took the Runners-Up title in the women’s division. For the under-17 category, Team JNV Sonitpur emerged as champions, with Team Golia Junior FC securing the runner-up position.
This event was particularly impactful as it engaged local youth in structured football activities among the fringe communities surrounding Kaziranga. Bola Bola Sports for All Wildlife Forever is a sports-centric initiative aimed at utilizing football to foster community engagement, youth development, and wildlife conservation. Their focus is on organizing various activities such as coaching clinics, referee training, and tournaments in protected areas, similar to their previous efforts in Zambia’s Kafue National Park in 2024. These initiatives aim to unite local communities through sports while simultaneously promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
The tournament received backing from various organizations, including the Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Biswanath Sports Association, Biswanath Football Association, and Golia Village Development Committee. Notably, international coaches Steffan Perkins from England and Alberto Marco Lozano from Spain initiated training for participants on February 7 at Agoratoli Football Ground, Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, and continued sessions in Biswanath Wildlife Division.
During the event, Perkins praised the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit evident in the football-conservation project, expressing hope for future endeavors. Similarly, Lozano commended the exceptional hospitality and professional organization demonstrated by the Kaziranga team, alongside the high energy from sponsors and participants, noting the disciplined play and eagerness to advance the project. Ritu Paban Borah, Divisional Forest Officer of Biswanath Wildlife Division, emphasized the innovative fusion of sports and conservation, advocating for its sustained growth within the park. Additionally, Forest Range Officer Nayan Jyoti Gogoi highlighted football’s potential to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in a common goal of protecting Kaziranga’s wildlife and habitat.
The event garnered support from several partners, including Chuk Chuk, WWF-India, Aaranyak, NextGen Coaching, and Pathkind Labs Biswanath, showcasing a collective effort toward integrating sports and wildlife conservation.