More than 55.8 million footballs worth over Pak Rupees 8.5 billion have so far been exported from Pakistani city of Sialkot on the eve of the FIFA Football World Cup 2006 to be held in Germany from June 9, manufacturers said. Manufacturers and exporters engaged in the soccer ball industry are making hectic efforts to meet the demand of foreign buyers and ensure speedy and timely delivery of the consignments. Over 85 percent of the total production of soccer balls in the world is done in Sialkot, while all international brands are sourcing their supply of footballs from this export-oriented city and nucleus of cottage industry in Pakistan. More than 40 million footballs worth $210 million are produced annually by some 60,000 highly skilled workforce of Sialkot, which enjoys a unique position in global trade with reference to sports goods. Its main forte is hand stitched inflatable balls, which have been produced for almost a century now, and are being exported to world markets by 1000 plus entrepreneurs. The stitching of soccer balls started in Sialkot during the 20th century with supplies sent to the British forces, but after independence the industry grew at an impressive pace, making the world recognize the formidable position of this city vis-à-vis its favourite sport. Today, almost all international buyers rush to Sialkot to secure their supply chains, building strong and long term business relations with the local exporters. In the 1980s, Sialkot gained international celebrity status when it produced the ‘Tango' ball used in FIFA World Cup in 1982, which led to further growth of the soccer ball industry.
