The most sought-after icon in global sport, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, touched down in Dhaka on Wednesday morning, igniting a wave of footballing fever across Bangladesh. As part of a high-profile global tour ahead of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the original solid-gold trophy was greeted with the prestige and security usually reserved for visiting heads of state.
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A Grand Arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal
The trophy arrived via a specially chartered aircraft, landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at approximately 11:20 am. The arrival marks a significant moment for the nation’s millions of football enthusiasts, who, despite Bangladesh’s standing in the FIFA rankings, possess a passion for the “beautiful game” that is arguably unparalleled in South Asia.
Accompanying the trophy was a seven-member official FIFA delegation. Most notable among them was Christian Karembeu, the legendary French midfielder and a key figure in the 1998 World Cup-winning side. The delegation was received on the tarmac by a welcoming party led by the President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin, alongside executive members and senior representatives from Coca-Cola, the tour’s long-standing global sponsor.
A High-Stakes Itinerary
The visit is a whistle-stop 36-hour tour designed to balance diplomatic formalities with public engagement. Following its arrival, the trophy’s schedule was packed with prestigious appointments:
- Diplomatic Courtesies: On Wednesday afternoon, the trophy was transported under heavy guard to Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President. Later in the evening, it was moved to Ganabhaban, where it was presented to the Prime Minister.
- Evening Celebrations: The day’s events concluded with a private, gala dinner hosted by Coca-Cola Bangladesh, attended by specifically invited dignitaries, sporting icons, and business leaders.
- Public and Fan Engagement: Thursday shifted the focus to the fans. The morning saw a display at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, followed by a grand cultural festival at the Army Stadium.
The 2022 Trophy Tour Schedule: Bangladesh Leg
| Date | Time Slot | Location | Event Type |
| 8 June | Morning | Hazrat Shahjalal Int. Airport | Official Arrival & Reception |
| 8 June | Afternoon | Bangabhaban | Audience with the President |
| 8 June | Evening | Ganabhaban | Audience with the Prime Minister |
| 8 June | Night | Private Venue | Coca-Cola Corporate Dinner |
| 9 June | Morning | Radisson Blu Hotel | Exclusive Viewing for Invited Guests |
| 9 June | Afternoon | Bangladesh Army Stadium | Public Display & Cultural Festival |
Historical Significance and Protocol
This visit marks the second time the original trophy has graced Bangladeshi soil, following a previous tour in 2013 ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It is important to note the strict protocols surrounding the object; according to FIFA regulations, the original trophy can only be touched by former tournament winners and heads of state, adding an air of untouchable mystique to its presence.
The 2022 global tour officially commenced in Dubai on 12 May and is scheduled to visit 51 countries. For the fans in Dhaka, the opportunity to see the 6.1kg, 18-carat gold masterpiece is a rare connection to the pinnacle of athletic achievement. While many will only see it from a distance, winners of recent promotional draws held by Coca-Cola have been granted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their photographs taken alongside the prize.
As the trophy prepares to depart for its next destination, it leaves behind a reinvigorated sense of excitement for the upcoming winter tournament in Qatar, proving once again that football’s influence transcends borders and rankings.