Football Fun: Narendra Modi Plays With Kids in Gangtok

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday joined his “young friends” in playing football in Gangtok, Sikkim, calling it a lovely morning and an “energising session”.

Football Session: Narendra Modi in Gangtok

Sharing photos of his game session in a post on X, PM Modi said, “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!”In another post, he said, “Clearly, an energising football session with these youngsters!”Football enjoys immense popularity in the northeastern region and stands as one of the area’s most significant sports interests, frequently competing with or even outshining cricket in states such as Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Meghalaya.

Northeast states form just 3.8% population but produce a large share of India’s top football talent, dominating leagues like the ISL. Narendra Modi arrived in Gangtok Monday to attend the closing ceremony celebrating Sikkim’s 50th statehood anniversary. Narendra Modi held a two-kilometre roadshow; residents welcomed him warmly. Earlier, he interacted with Padma awardees and distinguished personalities.

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Narendra Modi Meets Padma Awardees in Gangtok

Narendra Modi said on X it was wonderful discussing diverse issues, stressing engagement with contributors across sectors. Officials said the interaction brought together Padma awardees, social workers, artists, academicians, sportspersons and achievers recognised for service and excellence.

Narendra Modi engages with awardees to recognise grassroots contributors, innovators and individuals playing significant roles in nation-building efforts. Sources said discussions covered development, culture, innovation, education, social welfare and youth opportunities across sectors, reflecting diverse priorities and collaborative dialogue. The participants are also believed to have shared their experiences and suggestions with the Prime Minister.

Narendra Modi often uses such interactions during his visits across states to recognise local talent and understand regional aspirations directly from people who have excelled in public life and community service. His visit to Gangtok has generated considerable enthusiasm, and organisers have lined up several programmes during the tour. Later, Narendra Modi will visit Gangtok’s Orchidarium, showcasing the state’s rich ecological and floral heritage as a world-class centre.

Narendra Modi to Launch Key Projects at Sikkim Golden Jubilee Event

At 10 a.m., Narendra Modi will attend Golden Jubilee event, launch projects across sectors and address gathering at Paljor Stadium. Narendra Modi will lay foundation for 100-bedded Ayurveda hospital in Yangang and inaugurate 30-bedded Sowa Rigpa Hospital at Deorali.

Narendra Modi will inaugurate Sikkim University campus, NSCB University block, Helen Lepcha Medical College and Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing. He will inaugurate model residential schools at Hee Gyathang, a new Model Degree College at Mangshila, and a hostel classroom facility at Boomtar Gumpa. Additionally, he will launch IT-enabled infrastructure projects across 160 schools.

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