Pakistan produced 43 million footballs in 2022 as most of these were Adidas designed balls that were produced by Sialkot industry for FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Doha, Qatar.
Among many other companies, Hassan Masood Khawaja, he director of Forward Sports, acclaimed that his company produced around 5.5 million Al Rihla balls, and among these, there were 60,000 high-quality balls used in FIFA world cup 2022 matches.
These high quality ‘Al Rahila’ balls were equipped with modern and real-time technology to assist referees with offside and line calls.
The local chamber of commerce at Sialkot acclaimed that more than 43 million balls valued at $191m were made in Sialkot in the 2021-22 financial year.
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Sialkot is home of sports industry and there are at least 1,000 football factories in Sialkot that employing nearly 60,000 people related to football industry.
It is also a record that Pakistan’s Sialkot city manufactures over 70% of the world’s footballs and was the premier source of footballs for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Doha, Qatar.
Sialkot makes ‘Al Rihla’ footballs for the FIFA World Cup 2022 that was played in Qatar in November-December this year.
FIFA World Cup 2022 was played in Qatar that was started on 21 November, 2022 and the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was played in December, 2022.
1. Great Features of ‘Al-Rihla’ Football
The ball used in that tournament was called the Adidas Telstar 18, and some of its features were:
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- The ball had a new and innovative design that featured black panels and white hexagons, which were meant to be a modern take on the classic Telstar design used in previous World Cup balls.
- It was made with high-quality materials that were designed to enhance the ball’s performance on the field. The ball was made with a textured surface that was meant to improve grip and control.
- A sustainable material was used in its manufacturing was a bio-based recycling material.
- No solvent chemicals were used in football making but water-based chemicals were used which do not pollute the environment, he said.
- The ball featured a new type of bladder that was designed to improve air retention and provide a consistent feel for players.
- It was tested extensively in wind tunnels to ensure that it would maintain its flight trajectory even in windy conditions.
- The ball was FIFA-approved and met all of the organization’s strict standards for size, weight, and shape.
- It was designed to be highly visible on the field, with bold graphics and colors that were easy for players to track.
- The ball had a high level of accuracy and precision, thanks to its advanced design and manufacturing techniques.
- It was designed to be durable and long-lasting, even when subjected to the rigors of professional play.
- It was designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, allowing players to move quickly and efficiently on the field.
- Finally, the ‘Al Rihla’ was a visually stunning ball that was meant to capture the excitement and energy of the World Cup tournament, and it was widely praised by players and fans alike for its innovative design and excellent performance.
2. Expert’s Opinion
Sheikh Zohaib Rafique, the senior vice president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), shared that the “Al Rihla” football made in Sialkot city were used in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Speaking to APP, the SCCI SVP stated that it was a wonderful honour and source of pride for Sialkot and even Pakistan because a leading exports company headquartered in Sialkot, “Forward Sports,” had developed “Al Rihla” football for Adidas, which will be officially played at the FIFA football World Cup-2022.
He said the design of football would be as per the culture of Qatar. Pakistan produced 43 million footballs in 2022 and most of these were designed by Adidas.
Zohaib said the world was currently moving towards sustainability and the material used in its manufacturing was a bio-based recycling material.
No solvent chemicals were used in football making but water-based chemicals were used which do not pollute the environment, he said.
