By Sirshendu Panth
Zurich, Sep 21 (IANS) The FIFA World Cup Trophy will be showcased in Delhi and Kolkata in January next year as part of a gala tour spanning 86 countries and covering 134,017 kms - more than three times the circumference of the earth.

Kicking off the tour from the FIFA headquarters, FIFA president Joseph Blatter and Muhtar Kent - chairman and major of world’s largest beverage company Coca Cola - told mediapersons that it will travel around the globe before arriving in the host country South Africa May 4, 2010.

The World Cup, being held in the African continent for the first time, begins June 11 with 32 teams slated to compete for the world’s most sought after trophy. The final will be played July 11 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

“The final draw for the groups is to take place in Cape Town Dec 4. The World Cup trophy, made of 18 carat gold, will arrive Jan 16 in Delhi. It will be displayed in Kolkata the next day,” Kent said.

The soft drinks major also unveiled a grand marketing campaign for the soccer extravaganza inspired by the joyous dance celebrations familiar to Africa and introduced by Cameroon great Roger Milla.

“Even today it puzzles me to see people remember me for the goals I scored in 1990 World Cup and the celebration dances I did. In 1990 I could never imagine the impact this small celebration jig is going to have in my life,” Milla said at the event.

“As I think of the upcoming World Cup I get enthusiastic. This is the first time the that the event is being held in Africa. It means so much for the people of this continent. My only regret is I will not be in the pitch to play,” he said.

The company also invited fans to express their optimism and passion for football through active dance celebrations and a promise to award the best player celebration carried out during the tournament.

The promotional campaign also includes a music anthem, global television commercials, an online program, commemorative packaging, besides the trophy tour - which includes every nation in Asia.

At events in each city, fans can have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the trophy, view a 3-D movie showcasing moments of the FIFA World Cup, participate in interactive displays

For every goal scored during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and celebrated with a dance, Coca-Cola will make an additional donation to the company’s “Water for Schools” effort that helps provide schools access to safe drinking water.

Up-and-coming Somalian hip-hop artist K’Naan has specially recorded an uplifting African-inspired track, a remix of ‘Wavin Flag’, as the anthem of the FIFA World Cup program, while the soft drinks giant will also produce a 60-minute documentary which investigates the stories behind the world’s most famous goal celebrations and catches up with 2010 FIFA World Cup players as they plan their celebrations for the tournament.