Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali promised the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by Indonesia this year would be an unforgettable experience for all participating nations and athletes.

He affirmed that Indonesia will optimize the hospitality in six host cities of the U-20 World Cup, which for the first time being hosted in Indonesia.

"We will also prepare all aspects for the event. We will exert our effort to give good impressions, hence, it will be an unforgettable experience for another 23 participating nations," Amali said during the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup mascot launching ceremony here, Sunday.

The minister convinces that Indonesia could increase its bargaining power if the nation successfully organizes the U-20 World Cup. Hence, Indonesia can again be trusted by FIFA to host other prestigious international competitions.

The U-20 World Cup mascot has been introduced 245 days before the opening ceremony of the World Cup.

The mascot figure is one-horned rhinoceros named Bacuya who has a colorful horn representing young talents and a beacon for football of the future, particularly as the World Cup would exhibit the best talents who will be football legends in the future.

The mascot represents the energy and enthusiasm of football players and fans in Indonesia and throughout the world.

Earlier on August 17, FIFA launched the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup logo. The logo is dominated by red and white -- colors of the national flag -- with a dash of blue, purple, and gold, reflecting Indonesian seas with currents flowing through its archipelago.

The 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Indonesia from May 20 to June 11, 2023, with 24 participating countries, including Indonesia, which automatically qualify for the Cup.

At least six stadiums in six cities have been readied to host several matches. Those stadiums are Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium of Palembang, South Sumatra, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium of Bandung, West Java, Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Central Java, Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, East Java, and Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium of Gianyar, Bali.

Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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