Watch: PM Narendra Modi plays football with kids in Gangtok

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared a video of himself playing football with children in Gangtok, offering a lighter moment during a day packed with official engagements in Sikkim. The clip, posted on social media, quickly drew attention as the Prime Minister was seen interacting with youngsters on a football ground while on his visit to the northeastern state.

PM Modi playing football in Sikkim: A morning kickabout in Gangtok

The Prime Minister posted the video on X, writing, "Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!"

The visuals showed him passing the ball, smiling and chatting with children, while onlookers cheered. The informal game stood out amid a schedule dominated by official programmes.


The post gained traction within minutes, with users reacting to the rare, candid moment and linking it to the government’s push for sports and fitness.

Why this visit matters

The visit comes at a significant time for Sikkim, which is marking 50 years of statehood. The Prime Minister’s engagements are centred around the closing ceremony of the celebrations later in the day at Paljor Stadium.

Alongside the symbolic events, the visit is tied to a large set of development announcements aimed at expanding infrastructure and public services in the state.

₹4,000 crore projects across sectors

e Prime Minister is set to inaugurate, launch and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹4,000 crore. These projects cover sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, tourism and agriculture.

Officials say the initiatives are designed to improve daily life in the state while supporting long-term economic growth.

Healthcare and education focus

In healthcare, a 100-bedded Ayurveda hospital will come up at Yangang in Namchi district. A 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali will also be inaugurated.

In education, multiple institutions will be launched or upgraded. These include the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, and the Helen Lepcha Medical College in Gangtok district.

New facilities such as a professional college at Dentam, model residential schools, a degree college in Mangan, and a monastic hostel in Namchi district are also part of the plan. IT-enabled infrastructure will be rolled out across 160 schools.

Roads, bridges and power upgrades

To improve connectivity, foundation stones will be laid for two double-lane steel arch bridges over the Teesta river. A key road stretch from Birdhang to Namchi will also be inaugurated after widening and strengthening work.

In the power sector, the transmission and distribution network in Gangtok will be upgraded to ensure more reliable electricity supply.

Urban development and environment

Urban infrastructure projects include the inauguration of a mini secretariat at Lumsey and a civil service officers institute in Gangtok. Housing schemes for urban poor and government personnel will also be launched.

On the environment front, sewerage system upgrades in Singtam and pollution control work for the Rani Chu river are part of the agenda.

Tourism, pilgrimage and youth push

Tourism projects include redevelopment of the Ridge area in Gangtok and eco-tourism infrastructure in Soreng. Facilities linked to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and a new Yatri Niwas in Namphing will also be inaugurated.

The Prime Minister will also launch an agro-processing plant by IFFCO to support farmers. An indoor cricket facility in Pakyong district is part of efforts to promote sports among youth.

The visit combines symbolism and policy, with a mix of public outreach and project launches. As Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood, the Centre is positioning the day as both a celebration and a push for future development—starting, unusually, with a football on a Gangtok morning.