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
Gangtok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shifted from the heat of electioneering to a lighter public moment on Tuesday, joining local youth for a football session during his visit to Sikkim—just a day after wrapping up an intense campaign in West Bengal.
Football Break Draws Attention
In Gangtok, the Prime Minister was seen engaging with youngsters in a friendly football game, a moment that quickly gained traction on social media. Sharing the experience on X, Modi described the session as “energising,” noting that the morning was filled with play, learning, and enjoyment.
The interaction reflected his recurring emphasis on youth engagement and promotion of sports, particularly in the Northeast, where football holds widespread appeal.
Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/5xEceWBH1f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 28, 2026
Campaign Ends on Confident Note
The informal outing followed the conclusion of Modi’s high-pitched campaign in West Bengal, where polling is underway for the Assembly elections. Addressing his final rallies, including in North 24 Parganas district, he expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Signals Push for Political Change
Modi said the strong public response during the campaign had reinforced his belief that the BJP would secure victory in the state. He indicated that he expected to return soon to witness the swearing-in of a BJP Chief Minister, signalling a bid to unseat the incumbent Trinamool Congress government.
The contrast between campaign intensity and the relaxed football session in Sikkim offered a softer public moment, even as the political stakes remain high in West Bengal.
