LAHORE - Lively Lahorites welcomed and unveiled the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy in a grand event held here at a local hotel Saturday.

Pakistani football enthusiasts not only accorded a warm welcome to the glittering trophy but also kept on standing in long queues and waiting for their turn to have photos with the trophy. Although the organisers were trying to create hurdles between them and the trophy by obliging their dear and near ones out of turn. However, the discrimination couldn’t decrease their passion.

After having photos with the iconic trophy, the crazy football fans retuned in a way as they have won the FIFA World Cup. French World Cup-winning former footballer Christian Karembeu was the real star of the event as most of the fans and people present there had selfies and pictures with him while many captured photographs with singers, actors, actresses and other celebrities present on the occasion.

Former French footballer Christian Karembeu greeted the Pakistani fans by saying, ‘Assalam-o-Alaikum’! "I am really excited to be here in Lahore. I am surprised to see that Pakistan also has football-loving folks,” he said and added: It is a great honour for Pakistan that the FIFA trophy is here for the first time. Football is the game through which we can make our future better and bright.” Legendary former cricketer Younus Khan, Pakistan’s men's football team skipper Kaleem Ullah Khan and women's football team captain Hajra and several showbiz personalities were also present at the trophy's unveiling ceremony in Lahore.

Pakistan football captain Kaleem Ullah, who was very excited to be part of the FIFA World Cup trophy event, said: “I had never even imagined that the FIFA trophy would come to Pakistan. It is encouraging for Pakistani footballers that the FIFA trophy has come to the country. I personally feel that the day is not so far, when Pakistan would also do well in football.

When asked about his favourite team, which he is supporting during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kaleem said: “My top most favourite teams are France and Argentina. Both the teams have the best combinations and capable enough to play the semifinals. I hope and wish good luck to them and hope one of them may emerge as title winners.”

Former cricketer Younus Khan showed his great passion for football, saying he loves to play and watch football, whenever he gets time. “For me, football is one of the most popular sport in the world. It is really a great honour for Pakistan that the FIFA World Cup trophy has come here. It was really great occasion for the country, and I hope like this trophy, international football teams will also come and play here.”