DOHA: The President of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Tuesday the on-going AFC U-23 Championship will usher in a new era of young stars. The three-week football gala kicked off with victories by hosts Qatar and Iran in two separate Group A clashes on Tuesday, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said: "This is an ideal platform for young players in Asia to showcase their special talents.I am sure we are going to watch players who will go on to dominate world football in years to come'. The AFC President said three of the 16 teams at the event in Qatar are guaranteed 2016 Olympic Games experience. "This is a special event for players who have big ambitions," Sheikh Salman said in a statement. "Asian football is growing and I am sure these youngsters are playing their part in promoting and developing the game around the region," he said. "I expect strong performances from the players. I laud the hosts LOC in Qatar for putting together every effort to stage this big event," Sheikh Salman said. "Qatar is known for hosting top sports events is this is one of them," he said.