FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s enthusiasm for sports by sharing a photo of the PM playing football with children in Sikkim. PM Modi recently joined young players in a football match in Gangtok, Sikkim, describing it as a delightful and energizing experience. The FIFA chief, known for promoting football in South Asia, shared the image on Instagram, emphasizing how football unites people globally.
PM Modi’s engagement in football resonates well in the northeastern region, where the sport holds significant popularity, often rivaling cricket in states like Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Meghalaya. This is not the first time Infantino has recognized PM Modi’s impact, as the two leaders have met on various international platforms. Notable encounters include their meetings at the G-20 summit in Argentina in December 2018 and in Kuwait in December 2024.
During the G-20 summit in Argentina, Infantino presented PM Modi with a personalized football jersey, which the Indian Prime Minister appreciated, acknowledging the strong connection between Argentina and football in India. The relationship between the two leaders underscores the shared passion for the sport and the cultural significance it holds in both nations.
