Japan to FIFA U-20 Women's World CupFebruary 8, 2012 - 15:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japan will host the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, the world football governing body confirmed on Wednesday, Feb 8. Uzbekistan, the original host of the tournament, could not organize the World Cup due to a number of logistical and technical issues; prompting the FIFA Executive Committee to propose Japan as a probable new host in a meeting held in Tokyo on December 16th and 17th, 2011. Speaking in a statement on FIFA website, Japan Football Association President, Junji Ogura said hosting the competition is a “a big challenge but also an excellent opportunity to maintain the momentum and interest in the country following the world title the Nadeshiko won in Germany last summer”. “Japan is definitely a country where women’s football is on an upward curve,” he said. “Holding two FIFA competitions in Japan in 2012, we, together with FIFA, would like to encourage the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.” The U-20 Women’s World Cup will be played from August 19- to September 8, 2012. It will feature 16 teams. Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Japan (host), Korea DPR, China, Korea Republic, Argentina and Brazil (CONMEBOL) have qualified. Germany is the reigning champion, having defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the 2010 final, Business Day reported. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |