Gangtok: PM Narendra Modi took part in a friendly football session with youngsters in Gangtok, Sikkim, on Tuesday morning, describing it as a “lovely morning” and an “energising session”.

Sharing pictures on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!”

In another post, he added, “Clearly, an energising football session with these youngsters!”

The informal game saw PM Modi spending time on the field with young participants in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The interaction highlighted the popularity of football in the region.

 

Football is widely followed across the northeastern states and is often as popular as, or even more popular than, cricket in states such as Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya.

The northeastern region, which includes Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, accounts for around 3.8 per cent of India’s total population.

Despite this, the region consistently produces a significant share of India’s top football talent. It is estimated that roughly one-third or more of players in the Indian Super League (ISL) and other major leagues come from these states.

Visit linked to Sikkim’s statehood celebrations

PM Modi arrived in Gangtok on Monday to attend the closing ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood.

On the same day, he conducted a two-kilometre cultural roadshow where large crowds gathered along the route. Residents welcomed him by waving the national flag and wearing traditional attire.

Interaction with Padma awardees and achievers

Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister held what he described as an “enriching interaction” with Padma awardees and other notable personalities from various fields.

In a post on X, he said it was “wonderful discussing a wide range of issues” with individuals who have made significant contributions across different sectors.

Officials said the meeting included Padma awardees, social workers, artists, academicians, sportspersons and other recognised achievers.

The engagement was part of a broader effort by the Prime Minister to connect with grassroots contributors, innovators and people involved in nation-building activities.

Topics discussed during the meeting

According to sources, discussions covered development, culture, innovation, education, social welfare and opportunities for youth.

Participants also shared their personal experiences and suggestions with the Prime Minister during the interaction.

PM Modi has regularly used such meetings during state visits to recognise local talent and understand regional aspirations directly from those who have contributed to public life and community service.

Public response and scheduled engagements in Sikkim

His visit to Gangtok has drawn strong public interest, with several programmes planned during the tour.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok, developed as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre showcasing the state’s ecological and floral heritage.

At around 10 am, he will attend the concluding ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will inaugurate, launch and lay the foundation stone for multiple projects across sectors including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture.

He will also address the gathering during the event.

Healthcare and education projects announced

In the healthcare sector, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a 100-bedded Ayurveda hospital in Yangang, Namchi district, and inaugurate a 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali.

In education, he will inaugurate several key institutions, including the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang, and Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing district.

He will also inaugurate model residential schools at Hee Gyathang, a Model Degree College at Mangshila, and a monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gumpa. In addition, IT-enabled infrastructure projects across 160 schools will be launched.

Agency inputs