World Cup enthrall all
Dhaka, December 18: The glittering and gorgeous Fifa
World Cup trophy enthralled sports lovers of the country, who flocked in droves
to the Radisson Hotel yesterday to catch a glimpse of world sports’ most
coveted prize.
Amid a blockade declared by the mainstream
opposition party, no less than 9,500 sports enthusiasts made it to the hotel
for the once in a lifetime opportunity and their delight was doubled when
pictures they took with the trophy were efficiently delivered to them within
two minutes.
The code printed on the picture also revealed
that the pictures will appear in the Fifa’s website in the trophy tour section.
A festive atmosphere prevailed at the hotel and there was a long queue of
people waiting outside the hotel before the official procedure started at 9:00am.
The commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Benazir Ahmed and the president of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Kazi
Salahuddin were present at the short inaugural ceremony. Kazi Salahuddin later
added that the venue was shifted from the Bangabandhu National Stadium to
Radisson as requested by the organisers. The BFF chief himself was thrilled
with having the trophy in the country. “With the arrival of the Fifa World Cup
trophy in the country, Bangladesh
has proved that it has the potential to go ahead. We are hopeful of raising the
standard of our football and the trophy is the inspiration,” said Salahuddin.
The change of the venue forced the organisers
to cut the programs such as a hologram display and interactive games, but this
did not seem to dim the spirits of those present. People of all ages could be
seen at the event. Fahim Ahmed, an ‘O’ level student and his two younger
brothers were delighted. “We will never forget the occasion, coming close to
the most coveted trophy and having snapshots is definitely one of the greatest
moments of my life,” declared Fahim. Former football stars Badal Roy, currently
a vice president of BFF, and Imtiaz Sultan Johnny thought the experience would
motivate this generations footballers. “We played in the first World Cup
qualifiers of Bangladesh
back in 1984-85 season. At that time, we had the motivation to play well and
reach the next stage. The future planning and other infrastructural support was
not there, but this generation of footballers should set a target of playing at
the highest level and start working hard to achieve it,” said Badal.
The official mascot of World Cup Fuelco and
Abdul Halim, the man who holds the record for distance moved while balancing a
ball on his head in the Guinness Book of World Record, added extra glamour to
the event. Fifa officials also shot a documentary on the hotel premises. In the
latter half of the day, all the players and coaching staff of Sheikh Jamal
Dhanmondi Club arrived on the scene and their yellow clad appearance was beautiful
to behold. Abahani players
goalkeeper Sohel, midfielder Pranaotosh
and defender Mishu made appearences. Today the trophy will be open for the
NGO’s, Special Olympic Team and other stake holders of Coca Cola before
departing for Bhutan
Friday morning.