Guwahati witnessed a major football spectacle on Wednesday as more than 10,000 fans gathered at the Barsapara Stadium for the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.
The event offered football enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see the FIFA World Cup Trophy at close quarters and have photographs taken with the sport’s most coveted prize. Former Brazil international and FIFA World Cup winner Gilberto Silva was present at the venue and interacted with fans, drawing enthusiastic responses from the crowd.
India is among 30 countries selected for the global Trophy Tour, out of more than 200 nations where football is played, highlighting the country’s growing prominence on the international football map.
Despite coinciding with Magh Bihu festivities, organisers said the Guwahati leg recorded robust public participation, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted football culture and sustained interest in the sport.
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Speaking at the event, Greishma Singh, Vice President (Marketing), Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said the FIFA World Cup Trophy symbolises aspiration, belief and excellence. “The India leg of the tour was expected to motivate young fans to pursue their passion for football,” Singh added.
Shantanu Gangane, Senior Director, Integrated Marketing Experience, Coca-Cola India, described the return of the Trophy Tour to the country after a 12-year gap as a significant milestone, noting India’s expanding footprint in global sports culture.
Addressing the gathering later, Gilberto Silva praised the enthusiasm of Indian football fans, saying the warmth and energy at the Guwahati event reflected the country’s strong connection with the sport.
Coca-Cola officials said the Trophy Tour forms part of broader efforts to promote football culture in India through fan engagement initiatives and international sporting collaborations, with Guwahati emerging as a key destination for major sporting events in the Northeast.
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