The Emirati city also saw the unveiling of the trophy at the event which was hosted by President of the Emirates Badminton Federation Noura Al Jasmi, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council Saeed Hareb, and Jassem Kanso, vice-president of the Badminton World Federation among others.

"We are proud that the first major badminton event in Asia will be held in West Asia," said Asian Badminton Federation President Anton Sopowo.

"Hosting the 2023 Asian Mixed Team Championship in Dubai will create new excitement among the participating members, especially more importantly, this event will be a major contribution to the growth of badminton in the West Asian region, and this is the first time that the UAE will host the Asian Badminton Championship, which will gain it importance as a qualifying window for the Olympic Games."

China are set to meet South Korea, Singapore, and Uzbekistan at the tournament which is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 19.

Malaysia are the top seeds in Group B and face a tough draw against India, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates.

Group C is an anomaly and features five teams - Indonesia, Thailand, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.

Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, and Pakistan then make up Group D.

"Badminton enjoys great interest in the United Arab Emirates in general, and in Dubai in particular, as it is an Olympic sport," said Hareb.

"Denmark's Viktor Axelsen, who trained in Dubai, managed to win the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and we hope that this championship will inspire a number of young men and women in the country to practice and develop in it, leading to honourable representation of the country in World Championships and Olympic tournaments.

"The organisation of the tournament in Expo City will increase the splendour of the competitions, and will inspire the competitors to present their best.

"We support all efforts to spread this sport and provide means of success for its championships in cooperation with the UAE Badminton Federation, which will contribute to enhancing the diversity that the Dubai Sports Council is keen on."