Russia sends world cup football made in Pakistan to space

Pakistan can have a new achievement under its belt, after a 'Made in Pakistan' football has made into space thanks to the Russian cosmonauts.

Telstar18, the official match ball for Russia 2018 Football World Cup was making rounds on the internet after a recent video released by the Russian state space agency Roscosmos, shows two Russian cosmonauts, Anton Shkaplerov and Oleg Artemyev, engaged in zero-gravity football skills in a cosmic kickabout at the International Space Station (ISS), reported RT. The ball has been manufactured in Sialkot - Pakistan’s hub of sports goods.

“From Pakistan to the World and Beyond! The Official Football for Russia 2018 World Cup Telstar18 has been produced in Pakistan and it travels all the way to space,” read a statement by the Government of Pakistan on social media.

From Pakistan 🇵🇰 to the World and Beyond!
The Official Football for #Russia2018 World Cup #Telstar18 has been produced in Pakistan and it travels all the way to space.#FIFAWorldCup? pic.twitter.com/PiunGUgfSS

— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) June 5, 2018

Using the official World Cup ball, the cosmonaut performs various tricks, including a number of volleys leaving the likes of stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in awe.

The World Cup 2018 will kick off on June 14, when hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia. The tournament will run until July 15 and will see 64 games take place at 12 stadiums across 11 cities in Russia.

Proud of you Pakistan & Sialkot .. pic.twitter.com/4pWbzvp2rG

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 5, 2018