FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday lauded Narendra Modi for his enthusiasm towards sports after the Prime Minister was seen playing football with children in Gangtok.
Sharing a photograph of the moment on social media, Infantino highlighted the unifying power of the sport, captioning his post with the message, “Football truly unites the world.” The image quickly gained traction, reflecting both the global appeal of football and the significance of the gesture.
The Prime Minister, who described the session as a “lovely morning” and an “energising experience,” interacted with young players, underlining his continued support for grassroots sports development in India.
Football holds immense popularity across Northeast India, often rivaling or even surpassing cricket in states such as Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Meghalaya. The region has long been a fertile ground for football talent, with strong local leagues and passionate fan bases.
Infantino has consistently advocated for expanding football’s footprint in South Asia, and moments like these highlight India’s growing role in the global football ecosystem
