Indian football team to reap benefits from Qatar's World Cup legacy in AFC Asian Cup 2023

Seven of the eight FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums will be repurposed for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Having hosted a successful FIFA World Cup in 2022, which saw the legendary Lionel Messi's Argentina clinch the title, Qatar proved many skeptics wrong. This marked the first-ever World Cup in an Arab country and uniquely, the first-ever winter World Cup. Against all odds, Qatar introduced groundbreaking innovations like air-conditioned stadiums – a first in the world of football.

China relinquish, Qatar emerge as new hosts

Originally, China won the AFC Asian Cup 2023 hosting rights back in 2019, with the tournament initially set for 16 June to 16 July 2023. However, on 14 May 2022, due to unforeseen circumstances stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and China's stringent zero-COVID policy, the AFC announced that China would forgo hosting the tournament. This necessitated a second round of bidding with the deadline set for 17 October 2022.

Australia, Indonesia, Qatar and South Korea threw their hats into the ring. But, after Australia's withdrawal in September 2022 and Indonesia's on 15 October, Qatar emerged as the victor on 17 October, proving once again their capability to host prominent tournaments.

Qatar stood out as the most prepared nation in Asia for this continental tournament, especially after China's pullout. This readiness was attributed to the infrastructural advancements Qatar undertook in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The AFC Asian Cup is slated to commence on 12 January and conclude on 10 February 2024.

Deputy Director, Venues 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qatar, Abdullah Al Fehani, shared insights with Khel Now, stating, "Our substantial experience from the FIFA World Cup 2022 will undoubtedly be harnessed for the AFC Asian Cup 2023." He further elucidated, "From metros to accommodation and transportation, all these elements are reincorporated for the Asian Cup. With every event we host, we imbibe lessons and use those insights to better subsequent events. The experiences gained from the Arab Games, FIFA Club World Cup, and the FIFA World Cup are foundational for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023."

India's advantageous position in Qatar

The Indian football team stands to benefit immensely from Qatar hosting the tournament. With over 700,000 Indians residing in Qatar, comprising 21.8% of its total populace, the team has historically received tremendous support. The unforgettable night of 10 September 2019 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium is a testament to this. India managed a commendable draw against Qatar, playing in front of 12,000 spectators, most of whom seemed to be backing India.

At the AFC Asian Cup 2023, India will contest two Group B matches at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium against Australia and Uzbekistan. Notably, this stadium also hosted the Argentina Vs Australia Round of 16 match at the FIFA World Cup 2022. India's final group match is against Syria at the Al-Bayt Stadium, which also hosted runners-up France's Round of 16 and semi-final matches at the World Cup.

Playing at these iconic venues, the young Indian players will have the chance to experience the same training facilities, dressing rooms and stadiums, that the world's best footballers used during the FIFA World Cup 2022. Indian football fans, keen to make their presence felt, are eagerly awaiting the ticket sales, which are set to begin later this week.