Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Najim the desert fox has been announced as the official mascot for the upcoming AFC U23 Championship which is kicking off in Doha, Qatar, on January 12, 2016.
The tournament will feature sixteen of the best under-23 sides in Asia, competing for the prestigious AFC U23 Championship crown.
The desert fox is symbolic of Qatar. At the launch event in Doha, Khalifa Al Haroon, Director of Marketing and Communications for the LOC said: “The intelligence and speed of Najim the desert fox are his key attributes, making the animal the ideal figure to represent AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 and the future football stars competing here in Doha during the final tournament.”
Najim is active, fun loving and a friendly character. The fearless desert fox, who will play a prominent role through the competition which concludes on January 30, is fulfilling his dream by participating in the AFC U23 Championship and will be cheering on both players and spectators during the excitement and action on and off the pitch.
The AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 in Doha will be a platform for Asia’s brightest rising football stars to showcase their talent and take their nation to glory in Qatar. The tournament is also Asia’s qualifying competition for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, with the top three sides booking their place for Brazil.