LAHORE: The FIFA World Cup arrived in Pakistan on Saturday as part of its 152,000-kilometer journey to 91 cities in 51 countries ahead of the 21st World Cup tournament, to be held in Russia this summer.
Former French international and World Cup winner Christian Karembeu was greeted enthusiastically by Pakistani football fans as he arrived with the trophy at a Lahore hotel from Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The trophy’s debut appearance in Pakistan comes at a time when FIFA has suspended the membership of Pakistan Football Federation’s membership, meaning Pakistan cannot currently play any official matches.
A number of Pakistani celebrities were on the trophy’s charter flight to Pakistan, including legendary cricketer Younis Khan, and famous singer-songwriters Quratulain Balouch and Momina Mustehsan.
“It is an honor for me to be part of the delegation chosen to accompany the FIFA World Cup trophy to Pakistan,” Khan said.
Speaking on behalf of Punjab’s Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada said it was “like a dream come true” for Pakistan to host the FIFA trophy.
That certainly seemed to be true for some of the emotional audience at the ceremony, who grabbed the opportunity to take selfies with arguably the most famous sporting trophy in the world.
“I will show this photo to my children,” said young college student Bushra Zahra. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Khanzada added that the Punjab government is trying hard to promote sports in the province and would “leave no stone unturned for the promotion of football.”
The trophy’s world tour will end in May, after which it will return to Russia. The World Cup tournament kicks off on June 14, when the hosts face Saudi Arabia in the opening game.
Former French international and World Cup winner Christian Karembeu. (AN photo by Malik Shafiq)