New Delhi, Jan. 11 -- When the original Fifa World Cup Trophy arrived in India and was unveiled in the capital on Saturday after a 12-year absence, Sanket Ray saw it as more than a ceremonial stop on a global tour.

"Sport in India is entering a defining phase, marked by wider participation, stronger infrastructure and growing global engagement," said Ray, president, Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia.

For Coca-Cola, which has partnered with Fifa since 1978, the trophy's return is significant. The soft drinks giant announced a new three-year sponsorship of the Indian Women's National Football Team, a move unveiled on Saturday by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The partnership comes on the back of a breakthrough 2025 season fo...