China counts down to Asian Cup, China 2004 ( 2003-10-27 11:34) (www.asian-football.com)
The countdown to the Asian
Football Confederation's (AFC's) biggest event ever, Asian Cup, China 2004,
begins in earnest this weekend as AFC and Chinese Football Association (CFA)
officials launch the tournament's identity and commence the Official Site
Inspection of the four venues.
Next year's event promises to spectacularly mark the 50-year anniversary of
the AFC, where Asia's national team championship will take place in the world's
largest country. Involving more countries than ever before, with an increase
from 12 to 16 participating national teams, the AFC Asian Cup China 2004 will no
doubt be a fitting celebration to commemorate the outstanding achievements of
Asian football over the past half century.
AFC Senior Vice President Mr. Asad Taqi, Vice President Mr. Zhang Jilong and
General Secretary Dato' Peter Velappan were among the guests at a ceremony held
today at the Beijing Television Station, to launch the official identities of
the event.
Also attending on Sunday were Deputy Mayor of Beijing City Mr. Liu Jingmin,
Chairman of Beijing Sports Council Mr. Sun Kanglin, Deputy Chairman of Beijing
Sports Council Mr. Wang Ning and other Government Officials, representatives of
host cities Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing and Jinan, sponsors, media partners and
the press.
The ceremony marks the start of the official countdown to the kick-off for
the 13th edition of Asia's most prestigious football tournament on July 17,
2004.
Following the success of Asian teams at last years 2002 FIFA World Cup,
Korea/Japan, next year's Asian Cup is expected to be the most successful both on
and off the pitch.
The world's media will descend on China in July next year and Sunday's launch
provides an appetizer to what can be expected over the next nine months.
In the week following the launch, representatives from the Asian Cup China
2004 Organizing Committee will conduct a site inspection of all stadiums and
facilities to be used during the event next year.
AFC Senior Vice President and Chairman of AFC Competition Committee, Mr. Asad
Taqi, said today, We are here to support our colleagues from the LOC and VOCs
who have worked very hard to ensure that the Asian Cup 2004 meets with the
expectation of the football living public in China and in
Asia.
