Pakistan-made soccer balls will be used in the 2022 FIFA world cup Qatar, Al Rihla, the international event’s official ball, is created in Sialkot, home to luxury sports goods.
Sialkot produces about 600 million soccer balls per year, accounting for more than half of the world’s total production. “Sialkot has been meeting up to 70 % (soccer ball) requirement of the world,” Saad Ghani, marketing manager of Talon Company, told Gwadar Pro, adding that “a little of its share has been reduced since more countries have ventured into the industry.”
Debuting in the 1982 Spain World Cup, Sialkot-made soccer balls have shone at the apex of the football kingdom for nine times (upcoming one in Qatar included). The “tango” balls pioneered the use of rubber inlaid over the seams to prevent water from seeping through, becoming the first water-resistant ball in the FIFA world cup.
