New Delhi, Jul 6 (UNI) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Tuesday confirmed the Mumbai Football Arena – Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai and 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 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 BioMedical Bubble for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The 37,900-capacity D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will remain as
one of the three stadiums that will stage the AFC Women’s Asian
Cup India 2022TM, which is on schedule to take place from January 20
to February 6, 2022.
Speaking about the change in venue, All Indian Football Federation
President (AIFF) and Chairman of the LOC, 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 making the AFC Women’s Asian Cup a grand success,”
Mr Patel added.
Mr Patel also thanked the governments of Odisha and Gujarat states
that was slated to host the tournament previously,
before ensuring thorough preparation for the prestigious event.
“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 centre stage 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.
Asian powerhouses and three-time title holders DPR Korea are in Group C alongside Singapore, Iraq and Indonesia with Myanmar, The United Arab Emirates, Guam and Lebanon complete the line-up in Group D.
The 2003 runners-up Korea Republic, Uzbekistan and Mongolia are in Group E, like Philippines, Hong Kong and Nepal prepare to battle in Group F.
The 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.
UNI PC RN