Doha: 500 volunteers are participating in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which is held in Qatar, where they play a pivotal role in supporting the operational operations to achieve a successful hosting of the tournament, as well as providing all facilities and services to media representatives covering the tournament's activities. Qatar has established a culture of volunteer work among members of society and has a long-term track record of volunteer work while hosting major sporting tournaments and events. More than 20,000 volunteers participated in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, while the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 witnessed the participation of nearly 6,000 who contributed to supporting the tournament's operations, starting with fan services and ending with transportation services. Shahad Al Maraghi, a Qatari volunteer in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup volunteer team, said that volunteer work provides a unique opportunity to contribute positively to society and return the favor and gratitude to Qatar. She noted the impact of volunteer work in enhancing belonging, self-realization, and a sense of accomplishment, as well as honing many skills. She pointed out that she is a volunteer in the tournament's media operations team, her role is to ensure that all facilities and services are provided to media representatives covering the tournament's matches and events. She also feels proud to participate in helping journalists broadcast the matches in audio and video and introduce the world to Qatar's capabilities and rich culture along with its authentic customs and traditions. The AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which was launched for the first time in 2013, is being hosted in Qatar for the second time after hosting it in 2016. The tournament will run from April 15 to May 3, 2024, and will witness the participation of 16 of the best teams in Asia to compete and obtain a qualification card for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. The teams that finish in the first three places in the Asian championship will qualify to participate in the next Summer Olympic Games, while the team that comes in fourth place will face a team from Africa in a decisive playoff for the last ticket. (QNA Source: Qatar News Agency