Xiamen, October 30 (Xinhua) -- On the 30th, the 2021 Ma John Cup Futsal Tournament kicked off in Gulangyu Island, Xiamen.
As an important supporting event of "I want to participate in the Asian Cup", this event attracted nearly 60 teams from Xiamen to sign up. In terms of format, the competition is divided into six administrative districts in the city, which are divided into youth groups (18-44 years old) and evergreen groups (45-60 years old), which compete for the first and second places respectively. The event will run until December.
On the same day, in addition to the first opening match, the organizers also launched the "Welcome to the Asian Cup and Fly football dreams" 2023 AFC China Asian Cup emblem and city logo punch card activity at the opening ceremony. From October 30, citizens and tourists can participate in the activities at three punch points of Gulangyu Ma John Stadium, The Coastal Romantic Line around the East China Sea, and the Xiamen Sports Center.
As one of the birthplaces of modern football in China, Xiamen has a century-old football tradition and is one of the host cities of the 2023 AFC China Asian Cup.
The organizers expressed the hope that through this grassroots football match, the slogan of "I want to participate in the Asian Cup" will resound throughout the green field, create a strong atmosphere in Xiamen to be a good host and welcome the Asian Cup, stimulate the public's love for football, encourage more people to devote themselves to the green field, and promote the development of Xiamen football culture.
The tournament was hosted by Xiamen Municipal Sports Bureau and Xiamen Football Association. (End)
![Gulangyu Old Photo Interpretation: Ma John, a senior student of Fumin Primary School[fig]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)