Doha: AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 Local Organising Committee COO Ahmed Al Harami (pictured) has assured that the preparations for the upcoming AFC U23 Championships in Qatar are on track ahead of the big kick-off on January 12.
Al Harami noted that the LOC has relied on mixture of young Qatari talent supported by the experienced professionals to host the event in a befitting manner .
Al Harami added that all preparations are on track for the tournament.
“In terms of the facilities, there are already in place special arrangements,” he said.
“The four main venues; Abdullha Bin Khalifa stadium in Lekhwiya Sports Club, Jassem Bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Sports Club, Grand Hamad Stadium in Al Arabi Sports Club and Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar Sports Club are all ready and settled for hosting the key events along with official hotels allocated for the participating national teams.”
Al Harami explained that the preparations for the event has been accomplished in coordination with several entities which should be thanked.
“The LOC consists of the Ministry of Youth & Sports, QFA, QSL, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Aspire and Aspetar. All of these organizations have played a major part in the delivery and planning of this tournament,” Al Harami said.
Commenting on the coordination with the AFC, Al Harami said: “We are holding regular meetings with the AFC, we are currently in the final phases of hosting this prestigious competition.”
Al Harami also commented that the official accreditation center is located in Hamad Bin Attiya Indoor Hall.
“The accreditation center commenced work on January 6 to deliver up to 4000 accreditations for the national teams, delegations and media representatives,” said the official.
Al Harami also had some positive words on the marketing campaign for the tournament:
“The promotional campaigns already in place within the streets and squares in addition to the mascot (Najim) tours. We would like to encourage the fans to come to the stadium for the matches.”
Al Harami also had some words on the opening of the tournament.
“The official opening ceremony will be on Tuesday (January 12) at Lekhwiya Stadium at exactly 07:00pm, half an hour prior to the game between Qatar and China, which is preceded by the opening game between Syria vs Iran at 04:30 at Jassim Bin Hamad venue.”
A total of 16 top teams will participate in the AFC U23 Championship finals with the top three teams will qualify automatically to the men’s football Olympic tournament 2016 in Rio De Janeiro.
Tickets for all the matches are available online from the Qatar Football Association website: www.qfa.qa.
Tickets are also available at Landmark &Villagio malls from 4pm to 10pm daily besides the venue.
The Peninsula
