Najim the desert fox has been announced as the official mascot for the upcoming AFC Under 23 championship which is to be held in Doha from the 12^th of January 2015.

The tournament will feature sixteen of the best sides in Asia competing for the prestigious AFC U23 crown.

The desert fox has a history of being found in Qatar, his intelligence and speed are the key attributes that tournament organizers felt as the appropriate figure to represent the AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 and the future football stars playing in the competition.

Speaking at the Launch of the mascot At the launch event in Doha, Khalifa Al Haroon, Director of Marketing and Communications for the LOC said: “The intelligence and speed of Najim the desert fox are his key attributes, making the animal the ideal figure to represent AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016 and the future football stars competing here in Doha during the final tournament.”

Najim is active, fun loving and a friendly character. The fearless desert fox is fulfilling his dream by participating in the AFC U23 Championships and will be leading players and spectators in the excitement and action on and off the pitch. Negm will be present at the AFC U23 Champions which are held in Doha, Qatar between the 12^th to the 30^th of January.

Some of Asia’s brightest talents will be on show in Doha, who will be looking to push their nation to glory in Qatar. The tournament also doubles as qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, with the top 3 sides qualifying for the summer games.