A full audience waited eagerly for Anuv Jain to entertain them, and the build-up in Guwahati was excellent – despite it being Bihu, a time when people traditionally stay home with family. The occasion was the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, and Guwahati made it truly special. We know the North East loves football, and just how much was evident when Gilberto Silva asked from the stage how many people loved the sport. Every hand in the audience went up—no fewer than 10,000 in unison. The roar was deafening, and the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour was a rousing success.
When I reached Barsapara Stadium around 5 pm, long queues of fans were already waiting to get in. Mostly young men and women, it was a crowd brimming with energy and passion. And when Gilberto walked across the stage with the trophy in hand, the fans went wild. The trophy is perhaps the most recognised symbol of sporting excellence in the world, and in India we have rarely had the opportunity to experience what it feels like to be close to it. That is where Coca-Cola must be commended for bringing it to the country. Out of more than 200 nations that play the sport, only 30 are part of the Trophy Tour—and India is one of them. If Delhi was excellent, Guwahati was the icing on the cake, proving once again why the North East truly loves its sport.
Every attendee was encouraged to take a photograph with the trophy, and fans did not disappoint. From the moment the gates opened, people poured in. The joy was unmistakable, and the deep connection with fans is what made the tour so special.
Speaking on the occasion, Greishma Singh, Vice President, Marketing, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “The FIFA World Cup Trophy is the ultimate symbol of sporting excellence—aspiration, belief, and dedication to excellence. All the things that make football a cultural force. We hope that the Trophy Tour’s stop in India encourages and inspires young fans to pursue their passions and dream big!”
Echoing the same sentiment, Shantanu Gangane, Senior Director, Integrated Marketing Experience, stated, “It is a moment of immense pride to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy to India after twelve years. This celebration of the country’s growing fandom marks a milestone in India’s football journey. India’s rising stature on the global sporting map is a testament to the evolving scale and passion for the game.”
The best compliment, however, came from Gilberto himself. “If you want to experience love and happiness, just come to India,” he said.
In the words of Kaustubh Jha, Director, Marketing – Assets, Influencers and Partnerships, Coca-Cola, “Not until too long ago, football felt like an experience reserved for global audiences. These days, late-night screenings, packed stadiums, neighbourhood matches, and social media conversations have established it as a pivotal cultural catalyst for Indian sports. The Trophy’s arrival in the country will be a memory that Indian fans will cherish for generations.”
He is absolutely right.
For more updates, follow RevSportz
