New AFC Asian Cup trophy lands in UAE

Dubai - The Asian Cup will start on January 5 in Abu Dhabi

After travelling nearly 25,000km across several major Asian cities, the new AFC Asian Cup trophy has finally landed on Friday in Dubai - one of the four host cities of the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE, a press release said.
The new silverware was greeted by representatives from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Local Organising Committee as well as long-time AFC partners, Emirates Airlines, at the Emirates Group HQ Building. 
Shin Man Gil, AFC Tournament Director, said: "The trophy tour for the 17th edition of the AFC Asian Cup was truly an epic journey as this was the first time a new trophy has been commissioned in over 62 years of the tournament's proud history. 
"It was vital that we presented fans across the continent with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relish a rare close-up experience of the spectacular new trophy and I am pleased to note the overwhelming response from passionate supporters from all walks of life. 
"On behalf of the AFC, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our host broadcasters and Emirates Airlines."
Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Emirates, said: "We see our partnership with the AFC as an opportunity to connect with football fans in our home, the UAE, as well as audiences across Asia who are cheering on their national teams. 
"We are keen to play a major role in bringing fans of football closer to what they love and to build unique opportunities and experiences throughout the AFC Asian Cup. We also aim to further support the UAE's status as a world-class sports hub and a centre for international sporting events."
The arrival of the new trophy looks set to build on the momentum of the AFC Asian Cup fever amongst football fans in the UAE as well as travelling supporters and teams, who begin their descent on the four host cities - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah - in the coming days.
Commenting on the event Aref Hamad Al Awani, Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee, said: "The championship trophy is a symbol of prestige for any sporting tournament and when people see the marvellous new AFC Asian Cup trophy they will feel pride and recognise that we are hosting one of the top competitions in the world of sports."