Rahul Gandhi inaugurates the Raebareli Premier League T20 tournament, blending cricket, youth engagement and community outreach during his constituency visit.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday formally inaugurated the Raebareli Premier League, a T20 cricket tournament, by performing the opening coin toss at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Uttar Pradesh. The event, organised by the Youth Sports Academy, drew enthusiastic participation from players and local residents.

During the launch, Rahul Gandhi interacted with teams dressed in green, blue and yellow jerseys, greeting players individually as cheers echoed across the ground. The sporting event formed part of his two-day visit to Raebareli, which also includes meetings with party workers and discussions related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Supporters said the tournament reflected an effort to connect with young people through sports, with some spectators jokingly suggesting that a batting appearance by Gandhi would have gone viral online. The atmosphere combined competitive cricket with a broader message of community engagement.

By associating himself with a grassroots sporting initiative, Rahul Gandhi appears to be reinforcing his outreach beyond formal politics, particularly among youth. Events like local cricket leagues often double as platforms for civic connection, helping leaders stay visible and accessible. For Raebareli, the tournament also highlights how sports can be used to energise community participation alongside political activity.