Under the bright starlight, Shanghai on October 22 became the new focal point of Asian soccer. A grand unveiling ceremony was held here, marking the arrival of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China and the grand opening of the first professional soccer stadium.
Du Zhaocai, deputy director of the State General Administration of Sports and party secretary of the CFA, stepped into the venue dressed in formal attire, his every step firm and strong, and then delivered an inspiring speech amidst warm applause.
The emblem of the 2023 Asian Cup, with the motherboard of the AFC Asian Cup as its cornerstone, incorporates the red and yellow tones of our culture, and the jade luster on the trophy seems to tell the story of the East. The 24 rays of light intertwined on the emblem symbolize the soccer elites of 24 Asian countries, while the 10 beams of light encircling the emblem herald the soccer dreams of ten cities.
The concept of this year's Asian Cup is "Union, Sharing, Passion and Excellence", and the opening of the Pudong Football Stadium in Shanghai, as well as the launch of the "Ten Cities with Hundred Counties" program to help revitalize villages, signify that the changes in soccer will reach out to both urban and rural areas, benefiting more people.
Du Zhaocai emphasized in his speech that the Asian Cup is not only a sports event, but also a window to show the achievements of China's reform and opening up. 10 professional soccer stadiums will leave a valuable legacy for China's soccer.
AFC President Salman congratulated via video, his words full of anticipation and pride: "In 2023, China will host an unprecedented soccer feast, which is the pride of Asian soccer and the witness of history."
The 2023 Asian Cup, which will be a soccer feast that will create a sensation around the world, will be the stage for this soccer frenzy from June 16th to July 16th in ten cities, including Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.
