While the national team championship has been going for over a decade, Iranian city Esfahan hosts the first edition of the tournament at club level which features the nine strongest sides across Asia.

Aside from Stroitel and Nagoya, Iranians Foolad Mahan and AUB Altyn Tash Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan make up the rest of Group A.

It will be the first time all four sides have competed against each other and consequently Mamedov believes it is impossible to predict who will become the first-ever winners of the tournament.

“We are very happy to participate in this tournament and I hope there will be many more like this in the future,” he said.

“I am sure this will help develop futsal in Asia.

“I believe that any of these teams here could win this tournament. We will do our best to prove that we deserve to be here.”

Nagoya Oceans arrived in Esfahan fresh from securing the Japan Futsal League title for the third year running.

The Japanese champions are considered one of best sides in Asia and, along with hosts Foolad, are strong favourites to win the tournament.

And while Portuguese coach Adil Amarante believes the battle to be part of history and become the maiden winners of the tournament will be very close, he has set his sights on leading his side to lifting the trophy.

“Of course all teams here have a chance of success but our target is to the win the tournament,” he said.

Foolad, who won the Iran Fustal Super League title last month, will begin their Group A campaign on Friday against AUB Altyn Tash Bishkek.

The top two teams from Group A and Group B will advance to the semi-finals.