Yingluck kicks off countdown to Futsal World Cup

Thailand began the countdown to this year's Futsal World Cup with the official launch of the tournament's emblem and mascot yesterday.

The Kingdom may only be a peripheral figure in 11-a-side soccer but the country is currently 10th in the world rankings on the five-a-side pitch.

The Thai futsal team will have a chance to showcase their talent in front of home fans after the country earned the honour of becoming the first in Asean to host the World Cup, this November.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday presided over the launch of the event's official emblem and mascot at Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel, with key futsal figures including Zhang Jilong, the acting president of the Asian Football Confederation, in attendance.

The emblem's design reflected the delicateness of Thai fine arts, while the elephant - a symbol of strength and intelligence - was chosen as mascot.

"It is indeed an honour for Thailand to host the Fifa Futsal World Cup in November this year," said Yingluck. "Four years ago, we were proud that our futsal team qualified for the World Cup finals in Brazil. Now we have a chance to bring this event directly to Thais."

The 24 teams that have qualified for the finals will be split into six groups of four. Four groups will compete at Bangkok's Indoor Stadium Hua Mark and Nimitbuth Stadium, while the other two play in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.

The draw will be held in August.