"The ASFC can improve the potentials of young athletes in sports development, especially football, by bringing together talented students from various Asian countries," he said while opening the ASFC 2024 in Solo, Central Java, on Saturday, according to a statement from his ministry.
He expressed gratitude to delegates from China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia participating in the championship.
The participants, he said, represent youth that have strong determination and skills in sports.
Hidayat encouraged the athletes to continue to pursue their goals. Thus, their persistence and hard work, including participating in the competition, is an investment for the athletes' future.
He expressed hope that the athletes would make the championship a valuable experience that motivates them to train, develop, and be the best in their respective fields.
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the ASFC 2024, Luhur Dewantono, added in the same statement that the tournament also features a bazaar of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in cooperation with the Central Java government.
Thus, the event is also an opportunity for MSME players to promote and market their products.
The ASFC 2024 is held from November 1 to 9, involving 150 participants from four Asian countries. Indonesia, as the host, has two teams participating in the tournament, which is held with a round-robin system.
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Translator: Aloysius Lewokeda, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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