The FIFA president allowed (the opening ceremony) to take place, but, it will not be as grand as the senior World Cup
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali stated that as the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup host, Indonesia would start the championship with a rousing opening ceremony for the audience.

Amali noted that the opening ceremony will be directed by media persons and former tourism and creative economy minister Wishnutama Kusubandio, who directed the 2018 Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies.

Wishnutama also directed the much-lauded heads of state banquet at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park during the G20 Summit last November.

"Mr Wishnutama is the expert in his field, and it has been proven, but we are still waiting for the next limited meeting," the minister remarked here, Thursday.

Amali, who is serving as the Indonesia FIFA U-20 2023 World Cup Organizing Committee (INAFOC) chief, said that while unusual, FIFA allowed Indonesia to organize an opening ceremony for the championship.

As President Joko Widodo personally suggested the opening ceremony, it was decided to propose the opening ceremony to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, he remarked.

"The FIFA president allowed (the opening ceremony) to take place, but, it will not be as grand as the senior World Cup," he noted.

Apart from an opening ceremony, Indonesia also planned to organize a closing ceremony before the U-20 World Cup final match, as well as the trophy handover ceremony from the previous host, Poland, before the championship, Amali noted.

"The series of events will start from February 2023, but I still have no information about the exact date," the minister stated.

Indonesia will host the U-20 FIFA World Cup from May 20 to June 11. Some 24 countries, including Indonesia, which automatically gained a place for being the host, are expected to participate in the championship.

The organizing committee planned to use six stadiums in Java, Bali, and Sumatra for the matches.

Those stadiums are Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, and Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali.

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Translator: Michael Siahaan, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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