Courtesy:
The AFC.comJilong: Thailand will rise to the occasionWednesday, 18 January 2012Bangkok: AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong has said that the determination displayed by Thailand in their recovery from the recent floods that devastated the ASEAN nation shows the strength of character that will result in a successful hosting of the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Speaking to fifa.com after the launch of the official tournament emblem and mascot in Bangkok on Tuesday Jilong said:
"Thailand was very badly affected by serious flooding just two months ago but has risen to host the wonderful launch event today and the FIFA Futsal World Cup later in the year.
"Without such determination, staging a world-class tournament would not be possible.
"I am therefore very proud of the Football Association of Thailand who worked hard to bring another exciting, elite international competition to the continent of Asia."
The AFC Acting President was one of a number of dignitaries at the event, which included Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Dato' Worrawi Makudi, President of the Thailand FA and AFC Executive Committee Member Manilal Fernando, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for next year's tournament.
The unveiling of the logo marked the symbolic launch of the seventh edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, which is being held in Asia for the third time following the running of the competition in Hong Kong in 1992 and in Chinese Taipei in 2004.
The FIFA Futsal World Cup, which will be held from November 2 to 18, will feature 24 teams for the first time in the tournament's history.
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
