DALIAN, China, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The organizing committee for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China held its first meeting in Dalian, Liaoning province on Saturday.
"Since preparations started in January this year, under the guidance of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), we have achieved great progress despite the COVID-19 pandemic, as the design schemes of nine stadiums have been confirmed by AFC," said committee chairman Du Zhaocai.
Du, who is also deputy minister of China's State General Administration of Sport, noted that the goal of the tournament is to promote the development of youth football in China.
"The Asian Cup is the top football event in Asia. Its great influence can cultivate youth interest in football and expand youth football population in China," he said. "In next phase, the organizing committee will create opportunities for more young people to have close contact with the tournament in all host cities through various channels and activities."
China was awarded the hosting rights of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup on June 4, 2019. The tournament will feature 24 Asian national teams, and will be staged across ten Chinese cities. Enditem
