AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 / Olympic Champion Barshim Calls for Strong Fan Support as Qatar Eye 2nd Star

Doha, January 10 (QNA) - Qatar's high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim appealed to home crowd to further support the national team in their title defense campaign as the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 is due to kick off Friday in Doha. 
    The three Olympic medalist and world champion told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the strong fandom would help players secure their second continental trophy and please the nation. 
    The hosts and defending champions will take on Lebanon at the Iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday, in the opening match of the event. Later on in the group stage, they will play China and Tajikistan.
    Qatar made history in 2019 in the UAE when they clinched the title for the first time in a 3-1 victory over Japan.
    The Qatari champion, who made his career-best 2.43m-leap in Brussels in 2014, added that the event was expected to show high-octane games, particularly with the presence of strong teams like South Korea, Japan, Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the GCC countries. (QNA)