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After a brief break from the worldwide tour to join the festivities at the FIFA World Cup™ Final Draw in Brazil, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola continued its journey, heading to the Middle East where it stopped in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, before heading further East to Bangladesh and Bhutan. Now, following a visit to Nepal, the Trophy will today touch down in India where it will remain for three days.
On the second day of the Indian tour, a once in a lifetime experience is being organized by FIFA and Coca-Cola for thousands of fans in Kolkata, where local celebrities will help welcome the world’s most coveted trophy with dance, live music and art. Supporters will have an opportunity to get their picture taken with the Official FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, as well as see some of the world’s most famous football players come alive through the power of hologram technology.
Following the announcement only a few weeks ago that India will be the host of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, a very warm welcome is anticipated across the country. The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be the biggest football tournament staged in India, with the Asian nation winning the bid ahead of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts South Africa and Uzbekistan.
Speaking at the announcement on 5 December in Brazil, FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke in Brazil said, “India is a priority for us. Our hope is for as many FIFA tournaments as possible to be held by countries which have needs in terms of development, and this would make the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 a perfect milestone for India.”
Interest in football in India has been growing steadily, with research commissioned by FIFA showing a rise of those “interested” or “very interested” in football from 26 per cent in 2011 to 30 per cent in 2013. Activities such as The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, will play a critical role in continuing to drive this growing interest in football across the country.
Following the visit to India, the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will continue on its journey through Asia heading towards Myanmar, Thailand and finally, seeing in the New Year in Vietnam. To keep up with all the latest news and happenings on the tour, follow us on Twitter (@TrophyTour) and like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/TrophyTour).
FIFA.com Media Release
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