Asian Cup's arrival aids Shanghai's ambitions

Now it's hoped the 2023 Asian Cup－taking place from June 16-July 16－will further boost soccer's popularity in the city.

The tournament's official logo was unveiled at a launch event in Shanghai on Friday, when Shanghai Pudong Football Stadium was confirmed as one of the venues.

Based on the original logo of the Asian Cup, the emblem is mainly colored with red and yellow, with the cup decorated with jade to depict Chinese characteristics and the beauty of oriental civilization.

The 24 rays surrounding the emblem represent the teams of the 24 participating Asian countries and regions, while the 10 beams formed by the rays represent the 10 host cities.

Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, and Suzhou will also host games, with the specific venues to be confirmed in due course.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, said that Asia's most prestigious soccer tournament has always left a positive mark on its hosts, and China will be no exception.

"The 2023 Asian Cup is a remarkable sports tournament during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. It is also a historic opportunity to accelerate the popularization and development of soccer in China," said Du Zhaocai, deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC).

"The 10 professional stadiums are milestones in the construction of soccer facilities in China, which will leave a valuable legacy for soccer and urban development after the event, while the release of the emblem marks a new stage in the preparations for the Asian Cup," Du added.

In order to provide a better experience for fans at the tournament, a Smart Asian Cup Seminar was held before last week's launch ceremony.

Experts in technology and logistics shared their insights on developing more so-called smart stadiums.

Liu Xin, manager of China Mobile MIGU, believes that technology such as 5G is key to building smart venues.

"Comprehensive innovation and high-quality services can really promote sports stadiums and the industry to drive the development of peripheral business and culture, realize diversified and sustainable operations, and meet the needs of high-level international tournaments in the future," Liu said.

A more immersive viewing experience, improved venue services, and richer commercial value will facilitate the upgrading of venues and contribute to the successful staging of the Asian Cup in 2023, said Li Yewu, director of the GASC's information center. In addition, it will aid the soccer industry's development in the host cities.