Lahore, February 03, 2018: The FIFA World Cup landed in Lahore today on a special flight from Chiang Mai, Thailand, amidst tangible excitement. On board the special flight with Rizwan U. Khan, General Manager Coca-Cola Pakistan were several luminaries, including French International Footballer Christian Karembeu, cricketer Younis Khan, Pakistan Women Football Team captain Hajra Khan, Studio artists Momina Mustehsan and Quratulain Balouch, celebrities Maya Ali and Zainab Abbas, corporate leaders and others. Coming to Pakistan for the first time in FIFA’s history, Coca-Cola’s Trophy Tour is a chance for football fans to see the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy in their own countries and getting ready for the excitement for the upcoming FIFA World Cup™.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived in Lahore in the morning of February 03, where football’s most coveted prize was unveiled to a group of media representatives, national sportspersons and other key stakeholders. The attendees were given a unique opportunity to take a first look at the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy and take photos with the Coca-Cola and FIFA ambassadors in front of the plane.
The Trophy was then taken to a hotel in the afternoon where it was showcased during an event attended by a delegation of key stakeholders, government officials, media, the national men’s and women’s football teams, sports bloggers and influencers. Speaking at the event, Rizwan U. Khan, General Manager of Coca-Cola Pakistan & Afghanistan said, “Coca-Cola Pakistan has always been the pioneer in supporting causes that are dear to the hearts of our people, taking the lead and exploring new horizons that no one else has ventured to explore. We all know that in recent years the popularity of football has increased exponentially in our country, transcending ethnic, linguistic and even income boundaries. This sport, incidentally the most popular sport in the world, deserves support for its growth and blossoming in Pakistan too. Bringing the FIFA World Cup Trophy to Pakistan is just the start Coca-Cola Pakistan is making. Plans are already underway for launching a nationwide, grassroots level football promotion campaign, and in the coming weeks you will certainly hear or read about these!”
Kaleemullah, the current captain of Pakistan’s national football team asserted, “The Trophy visit is definitely a big achievement and will put us on the map as far as international football is concerned. Events like this are crucial for bolstering the budding talent in our country and will surely hearten many football enthusiasts and young, aspiring players who want to play football in future. The initiative taken by Coca-Cola to bring the Trophy to Pakistan, combined with other initiatives (that the company will announce shortly) can help build a proper, structured platform for football in the country – especially for would-be footballers.”
Abbas Arslan, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Pakistan & Afghanistan shared that, “Coca-Cola shares the passion fans around the world have for football. The Trophy’s visit to Pakistan is an extraordinary opportunity for people to take in a piece of football history and share their passion for the sport with each other.”
The CokeFest, held at Lake City Lahore later in the day, was attended by thousands of football enthusiasts, who were given the unique opportunity of getting up close and personal with the legendary Trophy.
For the latest updates from the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola including upcoming tour destinations and dates, exclusive interviews, photos and videos, visit the official website www.fifa.com/trophytour, the official Facebook page www.facebook.com/trophytourand the official Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/trophytour/.
Notes to the editor:
The FIFA World Cup Original Trophy is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup™ while remaining in FIFA’s possession. The Trophy is made of solid gold and weighs 6.142 kg, created as a composition of two human figures holding the globe above them. The Original Trophy’s current design dates back to 1974. As one of the most recognized sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon, the FIFA World Cup Trophy can only be touched and held by a very select group of people that includes former winners of the FIFA World Cup™ and Heads of State. Because regulations state that the FIFA World Cup Trophy shall remain in FIFA’s possession and cannot be won outright, the team winning the FIFA World Cup™ retains the authentic Trophy temporarily and is then permanently awarded a replica, the FIFA World Cup Winners' Trophy (gold plated, rather than solid gold, and engraved with the year, host country and winner of the respective event).
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