The spirit of global football descended upon Dhaka today as President M Abdul Hamid officially received the FIFA World Cup Trophy at Bangabhaban. The arrival of the world’s most coveted sporting prize marks a momentous chapter for Bangladesh, occurring just months ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
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A Royal Welcome for Football’s Crown Jewel
A high-level FIFA delegation, spearheaded by Christian Karembeu—the legendary midfielder of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad—accompanied the trophy to the presidential palace. They were joined by the President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin, for a formal audience with the Head of State.
President Hamid expressed his profound gratitude to FIFA and the sponsoring partners for including Bangladesh in the global itinerary. He noted that the presence of the authentic trophy would serve as a powerful catalyst, inspiring young athletes and bolstering the nation’s footballing aspirations on the international stage.
Logistics and the Global Tour
The trophy arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via a chartered flight from Pakistan at approximately 11:25 am. This visit is part of an ambitious global journey spanning 56 nations, which commenced in Dubai on 12 May. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, the 36-hour stopover in Dhaka offers a rare glimpse of the original solid-gold statuette before it continues its journey across the continents.
While a replica of the trophy visited Bangladesh in 2013, the 2022 visit features the original trophy, which is subject to stringent FIFA protocols. Under these regulations, only former World Cup winners and Heads of State are permitted to handle the physical prize.
Key Details of the 2022 Trophy Visit
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
| Composition | 18-carat solid gold with a malachite base |
| Weight & Height | Approximately 6.175kg and 36.8cm |
| Global Tour Scope | 56 countries across the globe |
| Arrival Source | Pakistan |
| Next Destination | East Timor |
| BFF Host | Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin |
A Diplomatic and Sporting Celebration
The reception at Bangabhaban was a family and diplomatic affair. Joining the President for a commemorative photo session were his wife, Rashida Khanam, and his son, Rezwan Ahammad Taufiq, MP. The event also saw the presence of the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Zahid Ahsan Russell, and senior civil and military officials.
“This occasion will undoubtedly ignite a new flame of enthusiasm among our players, organisers, and supporters,” President Hamid remarked during the briefing. “It is my hope that this event propels Bangladesh football towards a brighter future.”
The trophy’s brief residence in the capital concludes tomorrow, with its departure scheduled for East Timor at 12:10 pm. Until then, it remains a symbol of the unifying power of sport, bridging the gap between the grassroots fans of Bangladesh and the pinnacle of global football excellence.