AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who presented Chanin Viboonrungruang, Adul Samon and Ponchai Khamluang along with assistant coach Ekapol Chanthawong with UAE 2019 mementos during the match, said: “The AFC is very pleased to welcome the players from Wild Boars Academy to the AFC Asian Cup.

“Their journey here reinforces the power of football to inspire hope and their presence in the UAE is another fine example of how Asia’s most prestigious tournament is making dreams come true for millions of fans across the Continent.”

Joint slogan contest winners – Jalal Nakhaie and Scott Sommerville - were rewarded with a pair of an all-expenses paid trip to witness Saturday’s grand opening ceremony, which saw hosts UAE held to a 1-1 draw against Bahrain in a tightly contested Group A opener.

“Just making my way from the airport to the hotel, to see Bringing Asia Together everywhere is an indescribable feeling, I am completely overjoyed,” said Nakhaie who was born in the Islamic Republic of Iran but now resides in Australia.

Against the backdrop of a packed stadium and hundreds of millions around the world, football fans were treated to a breathtaking live show with a series of on-pitch music performances in a fitting tribute to the excellence of Asian football and the vibrant spirit, colour and atmosphere of the host nation.

Internationally renowned singing sensations from the UAE, Hussain Al Jassmi, Balqees Ahmed Fathi and Eida Al Menhali were the ceremony’s main stars, which set the perfect stage for the tournament’s opener between the hosts UAE and Bahrain.

Socceroos legend Tim Cahill, who amassed over 100 caps for his nation before his recent retirement and grabbed three goals in Australia’s road to the 2015 title was also in attendance to co-present the trophy to the AFC President.

The handover will be the final occasion the old trophy will feature in an Asian Cup after the AFC commissioned a new trophy during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Final Draw at the Burj Khalifa in May last year.

The old trophy, which was last lifted by 2015 hosts Australia at Stadium Australia in Sydney, has been an integral part of the competition for over six decades since making its debut at the inaugural edition in 1956.

At the AFC Executive Committee meeting at the UAE capital, Shaikh Salman said: “Tomorrow we will witness the kick-off of the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup when hosts, the United Arab Emirates, take on Bahrain.

“The AFC would like to thank the UAE Government, the Local Organising Committee - and all those involved in delivering this tournament - for their hard work during the past four years.

“History will be made with so many new initiatives for the AFC Asian Cup, which over the months have been introduced for this AFC Asian Cup.

The AFC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have organised several milestone campaigns over the past month to leverage on Asia’s crown jewel as a platform for social good, culminating with an invitation to the players from the Wild Boars Football Academy who have been given a rare chance to catch their Thai heroes in action when they take on India on Sunday.

Three Wild Boars players as well as their assistant coach, will see Thailand’s opening game against India at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the invitation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

There will also be a meet and greet for the group with their national heroes and they will receive a behind-the-scenes stadium tour before experiencing VIP access during what promises to be a decisive contest.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “The courage and perseverance of the 12 teenagers and their coach under extremely challenging conditions were a source of inspiration for millions of people across the world.