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China withdraws as 2023 football Asian Cup host due to pandemic

China has withdrawn as the 2023 Asian Cup host due to the coronavirus, football officials said Saturday, with Beijing's strict zero-Covid strategy dealing another blow to the country's sporting ambitions.

China gives up 2023 Asian Cup hosting rights: AFC

2023 Asian Cup finals due to the COVID-19 situation in the country, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Saturday. The event, which is played every four years and features 24 national teams from across the continent, was due to be held in 10 cities from June 16 to July 16 next year. "Following extensive discussions with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the Asian Football Confederation has been officially informed by the CFA that it would not be able to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023," the confederation said in a statement.

China doubles down: Can Xi Jinping stick to zero-Covid policy?

Shanghai, the country's economic hub, has become the planet's focal point as the omicron variant hits production for many a Western corporate giant. This is about China's internal dynamic between north and south, and the choices made by Beijing since the start of the pandemic in Wuhan more than two years ago.

Speed skating-Christie races again after swapping skates for scooter

LONDON : Elise Christie delivered pizzas to earn a crust when her Olympic dreams faded but now the Scot is ready to race again after replacing her speed skates with an electric scooter.