Some of the greatest names in Asian football have given young footballers living in the UAE a thrill by hosting a special skills clinic in Dubai to help celebrate the final draw of the AFC 2019 Asian Cup.
Children from all communities were united by football fever. But it was those belonging to the Indian, Chinese and Thai communities who enjoyed a special surprise as they came face to face with their own national heroes who dropped in for the unique event hosted by the tournament’s Local Organising Committee.
The occasion perfectly embodied the spirit of the competition and brought to life the tournament theme of ‘Bringing Asia Together’.
The event saw current captain of India, Sunil Chhetri, China’s former national great Sun Jihai and Thai hero Pipat Thonkanya join forces to showcase their talents to the young fans.
The children got to go beyond watching or securing autographs as they took part in an 2019 Asian Cup Crossbar challenge and skills demo before posing for photographs beneath the iconic Burj Khalifa.
His Excellency Aref Hamed Al Awani, tournament director, said: “Already young dreams are coming true and the next generation inspired. That’s our mission and we hope the impact goes beyond football. We want to excite and embrace each community living in the UAE and unite them through this beautiful game.
Former China and Man City midfielder Sun Jihai was one of the former stars to take part.
“We are blessed to have such a diverse nation but this tournament has the power to connect us all. You just have to look at the smiles on faces and feel the energy created by bringing people together through football to know this tournament is going to be very special.
“For these children their countdown to January 5 has already started and we hope that excitement will spread across the country.”
Chhetri, added: “This tournament is massive. Yes, it’s good for everyone in Asia to have the best 24 countries playing each other, but especially for India. The game is really growing and just qualifying for big tournaments like this means everything.
“It could also feel like a ‘home’ tournament if the Indian community in the UAE come out in numbers and support us. But any fan who loves the game can support India! We promise to put on a show.”
India skipper Sunil Chhetri.
An expanded tournament format for 2019 will see the best 24 national teams from Asia participate at the Asian Cup, making it the largest edition staged and biggest sporting event hosted in the UAE.
A total of 51 matches will be played between January 5 and February 1, 2019, in eight stadiums located in three cities across the Emirates. The final draw took place on Friday with each group offering some tremendous ties.
China and former Manchester City midfielder Jihai added: “Football really is the number one sport in the world. It connects people and countries like no other. Just look at how it’s brought these children together and helped create new friendships.
“Recently China has invested a lot into football and we are improving. Perhaps in the future we can win a championship like the Asian Cup, but we need our fans to support us.
Kids pictured with Sunil Chhetri, Sun Jihai and Pipat Thonkanya amid the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.
“Anyone who loves football in China should come to the UAE. The fans are part of our squad. We need their fighting spirit and support to help our performances.”
Thonkanya added: “For the first time young children in Thailand want to grow up and become professional footballers. That is very exciting. So as a team we need to play on the biggest stage in Asian football, to inspire more to follow in our footsteps.”
For the latest 2019 Asian Cup news and information go to www.the-afc.com
