On December 18, 2022, Argentina won the men's FIFA World Cup in the most dramatic way possible, beating France in a penalty shootout after a riveting 3-3 draw in Qatar.

The game was unforgettable, one of the best finals anyone can remember, and it was brought to fans across the country live and exclusively by Ariana Television Network (ATN).

For Ariana Television, the World Cup final wrapped up an exciting 2022 of sporting events for fans, and ushered in another year of riveting television.

Throughout this year, fans have been treated to countless live matches and to the hype surrounding these fantastic events; and of course to the all-consuming moment that teams and players aspire to - the lifting of the trophy.

As far as trophies go, the Qatar event did not disappoint and viewers across the country witnessed the moment Argentina reached their ultimate goal, when they claimed what is without a doubt, the most iconic, most sought-after trophy in the world.

In line with this, in December 2022, ATN went to great lengths to ensure Afghan football fans were not left out, and that they were provided the opportunity of seeing that iconic trophy being lifted by the winning team.

Being able to watch an event of this magnitude live, and in the comfort of one’s home was indeed a treat - especially when all elements of the game were covered. But it’s that iconic trophy that piqued fans’ interest.

Who made it and what is it worth?

Since 1974, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Spain and Brazil players have had the chance to lift the trophy, which weighs a hefty 6.175 kgs, above their heads.

The trophy is made up of 30,875 carats of 18 karat (75 percent) gold with bands of malachite around the base and measures 36.5cm high by 12.5cm wide. And while the trophy is actually hollow inside, it still contains 4,927 grams of pure gold.

The World Cup trophy is the most expensive sports award in the world and is worth a staggering $20 million.

Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, two different trophies have been used: the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970 and thereafter the FIFA World Cup Trophy from 1974 to the present day.

The current trophy was made by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga.

But the FIFA World Cup trophy was not the only prize to be lifted in the year since then, a year packed with sporting events that Ariana Television viewers got to witness live.

Early this year ATN announced a cricket-fest for fans across the country and delivered four thrilling events.

Securing live and exclusive broadcasting rights, to four major international tournaments, meant June through to November this year was an action-packed period for viewers in Afghanistan.

The four cricket events broadcast live on Ariana Television were the ICC World Test Championship; the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023; ACC Asia Cup; and ICC Cricket World Cup.

These four events came on the heels however of the ever popular IPL - which was yet another gripping experience broadcast live by ATN. In fact, the year started off with the live broadcast of IPL2023 and essentially wrapped up with another live and exclusive IPL broadcast - the IPL2024 player auction, which was held earlier this month.

Meanwhile, heading into a new year, ATN will continue to work to secure the rights to broadcast these thrilling events and of course the lifting of trophies by future winning teams so be sure to watch this space for announcements and updates as we head into 2024 - which will no doubt be another action-packed sporting year.