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PIX: AFC Asian Cup opens with spectacular showpiece

January 06, 2019 08:51 IST

Asian Cup is the most high-profile sporting competition.

The 2019 Asian Cup got under way in the UAE on Saturday night.

Three of the UAE's biggest stars performed during the opening ceremony at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.

Among those in attendance were FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Crown Prince of Dubai.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Sharjah will all host games, with 36 matches taking place in the group stages, which run from January 5 until January 17.

The 2019 Asian Cup runs until February 1. There are 24 teams competing in what is the largest staging of the tournament, with matches played at eight stadiums across the Emirates.

Take a look at the spectacular opening ceremony:

AFC Asian Games

IMAGE: Dancers perform at the Opening Ceremony ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Group A match. All Photographs: AFC Asian Games 2019/Twitter

 AFC Asian Games

AFC Asian Games

AFC Asian Games

Rediff Sports Desk