AFC confirm new venues for Women’s Asian Cup India 2022
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The tournament will take place in the country from January 20 to February 6, 2022.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Local Organising Committee (LOC) have confirmed the Mumbai Football Arena – Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai and the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune as the new venues and host cities for the continent’s premier women’s national team competition.
The decision was confirmed taking into careful consideration the existing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as part of efforts to minimise the travelling time for teams and officials between the venues, whilst ensuring the optimum environment to implement the Bio Medical Bubble for the benefit of all stakeholders.
[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]
The 37,900-capacity D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will remain as one of the three stadiums that will stage the AAFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 which is on schedule to take place from January 20 to February 6.
Speaking about the change in venue, President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Chairman of the LOC, Mr Praful Patel said, “As the situation evolved, we had to adapt and the need was to create a bio-secure bubble. Hence, we chose Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune, venues in close geographical proximity with stadiums that have previously hosted major football competitions.
“I am happy that the Maharashtra government is paying special attention to the infrastructure and preparations for the tournament, and is dedicated to make the AFC Women’s Asian Cup a grand success,” Mr Patel added.
Mr Patel also thanked the governments of Odisha and Gujarat, states that were slated to host the tournament previously, before assuring thorough preparation for the prestigious event.
[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the governments of Odisha and Gujarat, who were both enthusiastic about hosting this tournament. While we continue to adapt, we can assure that thorough preparations will be made to ensure we stage a truly spectacular and safe AFC Women’s Asian Cup.”
Japan, Australia, China PR and hosts India have already sealed their places in the Finals and the race to join the quartet will take centrestage from September this year when 28 teams across eight groups begin their quest to clinch the eight remaining places in the newly-expanded and biggest-ever edition of the Continental women’s showpiece.
Three-time champions Chinese Taipei, Bahrain, Turkmenistan and Laos have been drawn in Group A, while Group B will see Vietnam, Tajikistan, Maldives and Afghanistan compete for a place in the Finals.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]
Asian powerhouses and three-time title holders DPR Korea are in Group C alongside Singapore, Iraq and Indonesia with Myanmar, United Arab Emirates, Guam and Lebanon completing the line-up in Group D.
2003 runners-up Korea Republic, Uzbekistan and Mongolia are in Group E, as Philippines, Hong Kong and Nepal prepare to battle in Group F.
2018 hosts Jordan will be eyeing a second successive appearance in the Finals but will face tough oppositions against the Islamic Republic of Iran and Bangladesh in Group G. Meanwhile, Thailand, Palestine and Malaysia will battle for the coveted Finals solitary spot in Group H.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.
Latest News
- Rahim Saab & Asian Games: Maidaan keeps Indian football alive even at its worst times
- We've to keep players positive and motivated, says Petr Kratky
- FA Cup 2023-24 final: Manchester City vs Manchester United: All you need to know
- ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan Live Updates
- Jurgen Klopp's top 10 best signings as Liverpool manager: Ranked
Trending Articles
- Rahim Saab & Asian Games: Maidaan keeps Indian football alive even at its worst times
- How is Des Buckingham doing at Oxford United?
- Mohun Bagan's Brendan Hamill, Dimitri Petratos distribute gifts to underprivileged children after ISL Shield win
- Indian Sports Calendar April 2024: Events to watch in second week of April
- How Lionel Messi could become minority owner at Inter Miami alongside David Beckham?
Editor Picks
- Rahim Saab & Asian Games: Maidaan keeps Indian football alive even at its worst times
- Top six clubs with most points in single Bundesliga season
- Top 10 favourites to win 2024 Golden Boy Award: Ranked
- Kalyan Chaubey believes I-League 3 to be 'transformative step for Indian football'
- Report: Des Buckingham reveals concepts he introduced at Mumbai City FC