FIFA World Cup trophy lands in Delhi, to be in India for 3 days as part of world tour
New Delhi (PTI): Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the tournament set to kick off on June 11, the original trophy arrived in India on Saturday as part of its world tour.
The original trophy was unveiled here at a ceremony in the presence of former Brazilian World Cup-winning player and FIFA legend Gilberto D'Silva, and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.
D'Silva said the trophy will inspire youngsters in India to play more football, just like they play cricket.
"...this trophy ...is to inspire so many young kids, inspire the next generation of players, women and boys to become successful also here in football, as they have done in other sports, especially in cricket," he said.
The World Cup trophy has come to India after a gap of almost 12 years as part of its international tour. The trophy tour is being organised by global beverage major Coca-Cola, the official partner of the FIFA World Cup.
During its three-day India tour, the trophy will be in Delhi for two days before being taken to Guwahati in Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Mandaviya said, the trophy will encourage the youth of the country towards the game of football.
The government is working to develop a culture of sports in the country, which has the largest number of youths globally.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, sports has emerged as a national priority," he said, adding, "We are working to bring India among the top-ten sporting nations of the world in a decade by 2036."
The government is working under initiatives such as 'Fit India Movement' and 'Khelo India', which are promoting fitness and sports, with Khelo India focusing on grassroots sports development.
As India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047, sports will stand as a vital pillar of nation-building and youth empowerment, he added.
Sanket Ray, President, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said that sports have emerged as a very strong, powerful pillar of national building.
"The reason is closely aligned with Vikshit Bharat 2047, where young India are empowered to lead, compete and excel on the world stage. Coca-Cola's association with the FIFA World Cup brings this national focus on sports and youth association to life," Ray said.
Coca-Cola has been an official partner for the FIFA World Cup since 1978 and has been regularly promoting it across the world, he said.
During its global journey, the trophy will visit 30 FIFA member associations (countries) across 75 stops and over 150 tour days, offering fans an incredible opportunity to experience the thrill and connection of football.
The trophy, made of 18-carat solid gold, weighing 6.175 kg, features two human figures holding the globe above them. The design dates back to 1974.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Elderly woman killed, robbed on outskirts of Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A 69-year-old woman was allegedly murdered and robbed of her gold ornaments at her residence on the city’s outskirts while her paralysed husband was present, police said Thursday.
The incident occurred on Pete Street in Nelamangala, where Shobha lived with her husband, who is paralysed and bedridden, police said.
For the past decade, she had been the sole caregiver for her husband. The couple had no children and lived a secluded life, according to police.
A video from the scene showed the woman lying in a pool of blood, with her husband beside her on the same bed, they said.
The accused, Shivakumar, a wholesale shop owner who has been arrested in the case, allegedly targeted her to clear a debt of Rs 8 lakh, police said.
The crime came to light on Wednesday evening when her husband’s physiotherapist arrived for a scheduled session. Upon finding Shobha’s lifeless body in a pool of blood, the doctor immediately alerted the local authorities, police officials said.
According to police, at approximately 4 pm on the day of the incident, the accused, Shivakumar, a resident of the same locality, noticed Shobha wearing gold jewellery. He allegedly followed her to her residence with a premeditated plan.
Shivakumar entered the house under the guise of being thirsty, asking Shobha for a glass of water. Once inside, and believing she was alone, he attacked her. When Shobha attempted to resist, the accused allegedly slit her throat, a senior police officer said.
After the murder, Shivakumar fled the scene with more than 100 grams of gold jewellery worn by the victim, police said.
By analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area, police identified Shivakumar and tracked him down, they added.
