Pakistan: Pakistan's enduring contribution to the world's most popular sport, football, was highlighted at the United Nations today ahead of International Football Day 2026 and the FIFA World Cup. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, presented the Pakistan-manufactured Adidas 'Trionado' football to the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, at a special event held in New York.
According to Radio Pakistan, the gesture underscored Pakistan's internationally recognized role as a leading producer of FIFA-quality footballs, with skilled artisans, particularly from Sialkot, continuing to supply high-quality footballs for major international sporting events. The event also featured friendly football matches at the UN Headquarters, where diplomats, former football players, and UN staff gathered on the North Lawn in a spirit of friendship, unity, and sportsmanship.
Participants competed in regional teams, setting aside national divisions to celebrate the unifying power of football. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, in a post on X, said it was a matter of immense pride for Pakistan that footballs crafted by its talented workers and artisans continue to feature prominently at the highest levels of international sport. He said Pakistan's football-making industry reflects exceptional craftsmanship and quality, as well as the dedication, resilience, and skill of its workforce.