Gangtok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a friendly game of football with 17 young footballers at Lok Bhawan in Gangtok on Tuesday morning, on the sidelines of Sikkim’s 50 years of statehood celebrations.
The moment quickly went viral after he shared it on social media, saying, “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!”
While the images and videos have drawn national attention, the footballers who shared the field with the Prime Minister came from academies across the state.
From SAI Namchi were Palhoisher Tamang and Bipen Rai; from Lokendra Football Academy were Kairav Limboo, Sisek Subba and Anmol Chhetri; from the State Sports Girls Academy, Soreng were Yangreep Lepcha and Sukria Manger; from the State Sports Boys Academy, Gangtok were Mikzel Bhutia, Abiral Gurung and Anish; from Namchi Boys Academy were Ishan Majhi, Aagen Lepcha, Amish Majhi and Adhish Chettri; and from the State Sports Academy were Prekila Tamang, Gyurme D. Tamang and Dichen Lepcha.
Prekila Tamang said, “Yesterday, we got a chance to play with the Prime Minister. It was an honour for us and truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We were 17 players and one referee, and this is something we will never forget. We feel very happy and lucky. I would like to thank our Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Sports Department for giving us this opportunity and everyone who supported us behind the scenes.”
Gyurme D. Tamang said, “Initiatives like Khelo India are very useful for young players. With Under-14 and Under-17 categories, we get exposure through national competitions. It motivates us, supports us, and gives us opportunities to aim for higher levels, even international.”
Sisek Subba said, “Playing with the Prime Minister has increased my confidence. It is a great inspiration for us. He was very friendly on the ground, which made the experience even more special.”
Mikzel Bhutia said, “At first I was nervous, but he was very friendly and spoke to us like a friend. That made it a very special and memorable experience.”
Ishan Majhi said, “We got to play with the Prime Minister and gained great experience. We will work harder and aim to represent India in the Olympics. I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for this opportunity.”
Bipen Rai said, “I want to thank our Chief Minister for giving us this chance to play with the Prime Minister. He was very friendly and energetic on the field. Seeing him play with such energy inspired us.”
Yangreep Lepcha said, “The government has provided strong support for youth through various schemes. These help build confidence and give us opportunities to compete at national and international levels, especially encouraging more participation.”
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