PM Modi interacts with athletes at Darjeeling sports meet virtually

The closing ceremony of the Darjeeling Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 was held on Thursday with the grand final of the Sansad Football Tournament, marking the conclusion of a multi-sport festival aimed at promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and youth participation.

The event was organised in line with the ‘Fit India’ and ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ initiatives and witnessed participation from thousands of youths from across the Darjeeling constituency, covering the Hills, Terai and Dooars regions. Competitions were conducted in a wide range of disciplines, including football, hockey, karate, table tennis, badminton, athletics and yogasana, along with community activities such as tug-of-war and musical chairs.

Advertisement

Officials said the Mahotsav served as a platform for young sportspersons to showcase their talents while fostering unity among diverse communities of the region through sports.

A key highlight of the event was an interaction between the Prime Minister and selected young athletes, virtually. During the interaction, encouragement was extended to participants to pursue excellence in their respective sports disciplines with dedication and discipline.

Several prominent dignitaries were present at the closing ceremony, including former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Bharat Chettri, Rajya Sabha MP Harshvardhan Shringla, senior security officials, elected representatives and BJP leaders from across the region.

The organisers said sports play a vital role in strengthening physical and mental well-being and in promoting national unity.