Gangtok, 28 April (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the second and final day of his two‑day visit to Sikkim by playing football with local youth in the state capital, Gangtok. In a morning Facebook post on Tuesday, he shared a photograph of himself on the field, joining young players for a casual match and highlighting his informal engagement with the younger generation.

Morning football session in Gangtok

In the post, PM Modi wrote, “A lovely morning in Sikkim in Gangtok, nothing quite matches the fun of playing football with my young friends.” The pictures show the Prime Minister, dressed in a simple sports outfit, laughing and moving across the ground with a group of teenagers, briefly putting aside official duties for an interactive sporting session.

On Monday, he had arrived in Sikkim for a two‑day visit focused on regional development, cultural events, and institutional outreach.

On Tuesday, the football session was followed by a packed schedule of public functions and celebrations.

50th‑anniversary celebrations at Paljor Stadium

Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the concluding ceremony of the state’s 50th‑anniversary celebrations at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. The event marks the 50th year since Sikkim’s integration into the Indian Union in 1975 and will include cultural performances, addresses by state dignitaries, and announcements related to infrastructure and welfare schemes for the Himalayan state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar