During his visit to Sikkim, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted and inspiring moment with young footballers in Gangtok that quickly went viral.
The interaction took place during a casual football session, where the Prime Minister joined children for a friendly game. In a playful exchange, a young footballer was seen giving tactical advice to Modi on the field. Smiling at the child's confidence, Modi responded warmly, saying, "Aap accha coach ban sakte hai baad mai" (You can become a good coach later). The remark, delivered in a humorous and encouraging tone, reflected the easy and friendly atmosphere of the session.
Sharing glimpses of the morning on social media, Modi described it as an "energising" experience, saying, "Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning." The moment struck a chord online, with many appreciating the Prime Minister's interaction with the children and the enthusiasm of the young players.
Football holds immense popularity across India's northeastern states, often rivaling cricket in regions like Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Despite accounting for a small share of the country's population, the region consistently produces a significant number of top football talents seen in national leagues.
A football morning in Gangtok! We learnt, we played, we celebrated and above everything else, we enjoyed the game…. pic.twitter.com/rZ0jLey5u7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 28, 2026
The Prime Minister arrived in Gangtok a day earlier to attend the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th statehood anniversary celebrations. His visit has drawn widespread enthusiasm, including a vibrant roadshow where locals welcomed him in traditional attire.
Apart from the football session, Modi also held an interaction with Padma awardees and distinguished personalities from various fields, discussing topics such as development, innovation, education, and youth opportunities.
Later in the day, he is scheduled to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple projects across sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism. The visit also includes a stop at the Orchid Experience Centre, showcasing the state's rich biodiversity.
Overall, the football session added a personal and relatable touch to the visit, highlighting how sports can bridge age and status through shared moments on the field.
