Daily Times

LAHORE: 15-year-old Pakistani teenager, Ahmed Raza, will be taken to Russia to conduct the coin-toss for the historic match between Brazil and Costa Rica at the FIFA World Cup 2018, on June 22, 2018.

This marks the first time a Pakistani will be present on the pitch of a FIFA World Cup Match in an official capacity.

Ahmed Raza hails from a family in Sialkot, whose older members have been crafting hand-stitched footballs for professional leagues across three generations. Indeed, Ahmed Raza and his father, Shabbir Ahmed, are both avid football fans, and Raza’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2018 is the fulfillment of a dream for, both, father and son.

Ahmed is a passionate fan of Neymar Jr. and the Brazilian football team, and will finally have the opportunity to meet his idol and favourite sportsmen.

Kaleemullah, captain of Pakistan’s national football team (men), will also be joining Ahmed on his journey to Moscow, Russia, for the FIFA World Cup.

Two-time Academy Award-winning film-maker, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will be taking centre-stage to celebrate and document Ahmed’s journey all the way from the gallis of Sialkot to the FIFA World Cup Stadium; Ahmed’s documentary will be released in July 2018.

Pakistan on Friday, June 22, will witness for the first time one of its own conducting a coin-toss for one of the most celebrated teams in the world. The FIFA World Cup 2018 is the biggest sporting event this year.