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ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani company will supply the balls used in the FIFA World Cup for a second tournament in a row.
The Telstar 18 ball was chosen as the official football for world soccer’s showpiece event, which kicks off in Russia on June 14. It is manufactured by Forward Sports, a Pakistani firm based in the Sialkot district of Punjab province. The same firm provided the Brazuka, the official ball of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Pakistan exports about 40 million soccer balls annually, according to Ministry of Commerce figures. In 2017-18, the value of the exports was $122 million, 10 percent higher than in 2016-17.
At an event titled “Emerging Pakistan: Celebrating Excellence in Sports Goods” at his office on April 3, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi praised the Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Pakistan and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In recognition of the competitiveness and innovation displayed by Forward Sports, Abbasi also announced that Khawaja Masood Akhtar, the company’s CEO, has been recommended for Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the civilian medal of honor.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has launched a campaign to improve the nation’s image under the brand “Emerging Pakistan.” The initiative mainly involves the sharing of success stories about art, culture, tourism, outstanding individuals and vibrant ideas. Abbasi unveiled the initiative on November 9, 2017, during Expo Pakistan in Karachi, in the presence of more than 700 delegates from 85 countries.
Pakistan’s Federal Commerce Secretary Mohammad Younus Dagha said that his ministry is now promoting Pakistan’s positive image, in addition to specific goods and services, at international expos and exhibitions.