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.