The 100-day countdown to the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 began with the launch of a state-of-the-art countdown clock at a colourful function at the Corniche yesterday.
Preparations for Asia’s flagship international competition reached a milestone when the giant clock was unveiled, with representatives of Qatar Football Association and Asian Football Confederation pressing the button to start the countdown at exactly 7.15pm.
AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam said the launch of the countdown clock will help build momentum among fans, and will also keep reminding the organisers about the need to make sure the preparations are on track.
“The launch of the countdown clock signifies the excitement that’s building up towards Asia’s flagship national team tournament — the AFC Asian Cup. In exactly 100 days, the wait will be over,” he said.
“The countdown clock will not only generate more interest in the tournament, but keep reminding us, the organisers, that time is ticking for the preparations. It’ll serve to inspire us all to give our best.”
“I would like to commend the Qatar Local Organising Committee and Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani on making such great efforts to make this tournament a great success,” he added.
QFA President Sheikh Hamad said that by launching the clock Qatar had shown that it was very much heading towards its goal of ensuring a successful tournament.
“By launching the clock, we are announcing to the people of Asia and beyond that Qatar, as always, will host a successful tournament, which we first organised in 1988,” he said.
“I take this opportunity to invite all spectators to come and participate in this warm Asian celebration and cheer their teams on,” he added. “Let us all work together to make this tournament a truly exceptional festival.”
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/127650-afc-asian-cup-countdown-begins.html
ILQ Note: Doesn't look state of the art to me. In fact the numbers are so tiny you have to be close to read it.
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