Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
In a splendid celebration held in the heart of Doha, Qatar, the countdown to the eagerly anticipated AFC Asian Cup 2023 reached the 100-day mark.
Distinguished guests, including AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John, Mansoor Al Ansari, LOC Managing Director Jassim Al Jassim, LOC CEO Hani Ballan, and LOC Board Members, joined on this momentous occasion.
Highlighting the festivities was the unveiling of the tournament’s spirited slogan: “Hayya Asia,” which, in Arabic, translates to “Let’s go Asia.” This catchy phrase symbolizes the tournament’s vigour and its ability to unite fans from across the continent.
From January 12 to February 10, 2024, nine splendid stadiums will host a total of 51 thrilling matches as Qatar prepares to host the tournament for the third time, following successful editions in 1988 and 2011.
Notably, this edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the 18th in its storied history, features Qatar as the defending champions, building on the legacy established by the groundbreaking FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 held just one year prior in the Arab world and the Middle East.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organizing Committee, expressed his excitement about hosting these matches, which will offer fans a chance to relive the magic of the FIFA World Cup.
“We are once again ready to welcome some of the world’s finest players as the top 24 teams from Asia converge in Qatar to compete in the continent’s most prestigious football competition,” Sheikh Hamad exclaimed. “Our world-class stadiums, exceptional infrastructure, and vibrant cultural experiences will deliver an unforgettable journey for all.”
Adding to the fervour, Sheikh Hamad noted, “Qatari fans will be especially thrilled to rally behind Alenabbi as they aim to defend their title in front of their home crowd. With the tournament’s immense popularity across Asia, we anticipate thousands of fans from the region and beyond filling the stands, creating a carnival-like atmosphere for everyone to savour.”
The tournament promises an array of fan activities to enhance the experience. Qatar’s compact layout ensures that both fans and players can stay at a single accommodation site throughout the competition and easily access tournament venues via a robust rail system and modern road network.
“We have always believed in football’s power to bring together people from around the world, bridging gaps and promoting cultural exchange. Hosting an event of the Asian Cup’s magnitude is about more than just football. It’s about inviting the world to learn about each other, fostering unity and understanding, and that’s precisely what we aim to achieve,” Sheikh Hamad emphasized.
The Asian Cup will witness exciting firsts, such as Tajikistan making its debut, while long-absent teams like Hong Kong, China, return after 68 years.
Continental powerhouses like Australia, Japan, and Korea Republic seek to build on their success from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where they advanced beyond the group stage. Regionally, former champions Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic Republic of Iran are set to draw large crowds as they vie for the coveted title once more.
“In the same spirit as the FIFA World Cup, which was a celebration for the entire region and not just Qatar, we view this Asian Cup as an event for fans across the continent to relish. We extend a warm welcome to fans from Asia and beyond, inviting them to savor world-class football and our signature hospitality,” Sheikh Hamad concluded.
With the 100-day countdown underway, the anticipation for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar continues to build, promising an unforgettable celebration of football and unity in early 2024.
