PM Modi Plays Football with Youth in Gangtok

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined local youngsters for a friendly football session in Gangtok on Tuesday morning, sharing videos and photos of the lighthearted interaction on the social media platform X.

"Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!" Modi posted alongside footage of himself in sports gear, kicking a ball and engaging warmly with the group on a football field. In a follow-up, he described it as "clearly, an energising football session with these youngsters." The event highlighted football's popularity in northeastern India, where the sport draws strong local support and produces a significant share of national talent despite the region's small population share.

The casual game occurred during Modi's two-day visit to Sikkim, marking the state's Golden Jubilee statehood celebrations. He arrived on Monday and participated in a two-kilometer cultural roadshow, where crowds lined the streets waving national flags and wearing traditional attire. Earlier that day, Modi held discussions with Padma awardees, social workers, artists, academicians, sportspersons and other achievers. Officials said the meeting covered...