MOKOKCHUNG, JUN 11 (NPN): A group of seven youths from Ungma village has crafted a 15-foot-tall replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy entirely from bamboo and installed it at the main gate of Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School under Mongsen Sector, Ungma, along NH-02.
The structure, built using around 70 bamboo poles, was completed on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The group spent four days constructing the trophy using bamboo strips woven and twisted into rope-like bindings to shape and strengthen the model.
According to the group, the project was funded through their own contributions, while residents of Mongsen Colony extended support by providing food during the construction period.
Speaking to this newspaper, group member Zulumanen said the idea stemmed from their passion for football and a desire to bring the iconic trophy closer to football fans.
“We usually see the World Cup trophy only through phones and pictures. We wanted people to experience something similar in real life,” he said.
He added that the trophy’s location along NH-02 would make it easily visible to passers-by.
The group is also planning to organise live screenings of key World Cup matches using a projector, with details to be announced later.
Describing football as a game that unites people across generations, Zulumanen said fans in the area are closely following teams such as Germany, France, Portugal, Argentina, Spain, Brazil and England.
Ungma youths create 15-ft bamboo World Cup trophy replica
Correspondent