The newest jewel in the crown of Vientiane 's sporting facilities has been set in place, with construction of the city's indoor stadium declared complete by the Lao SEA Games Organising Committee (LAOSOC).
The indoor stadium will host tennis, volleyball and badminton events at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane from December 9-18.
It is located in Dongsanghin village in Xaythany district (Km16).
Construction Project Manager for the SEA Games, Mr Khiengkham Phoutchanhthavongsa, said turf would be laid in the grounds outside the indoor stadium, and inside the national football stadium in the wet season.
Construction of the National Football Stadium is 90 percent complete and will be used in the opening and closing ceremonies.
Installation of sporting equipment at the swimming pool, shooting stadium and archery stadium continues apace.
He said athletes in all 25 sports would be able to use the sports complex in October in preparation for games.
LAOSOC began the sports complex construction project on October 28, 2007.
Meanwhile both the new indoor stadium and old indoor stadium in Beungkhayong village, Sisattanak district, are under development.
The Thai government is funding the construction of the new stadium and is also helping to improve the old stadium, at a cost of more than 20 billion kip (85 million baht).
Construction began last February and is expected to be finished in October.
The new indoor stadium has 1,500 seats, and will host the kick-boxing events.
The old stadium will be used to host competitions in shuttlecock.
More than 60 Lao workers have been joined by 70 Thai labourers to work on the stadium projects.
The old indoor stadium at the Vientiane Sports Department has long held competitions in muay lao, in addition to Lao Volleyball Federation fixtures.
Meanwhile, the Lao-Japan Budo Centre in Anou village, Chanthabouly district, is being built with grant aid from the Japanese government, valued at 56 billion kip.
Construction began last December, and is set for completion in October.
The Budo Centre will host competitions in the martial arts such as karatedo and judo.
Competition venues for the SEA Games are the National Football Stadium, Don Chan Palace , Olympasia indoor stadium at the National University of Laos, Patuxay monument and surrounding streets, Chao Anouvong football stadium, Lao-ITECC, Km 18 golf course, and Beungkhayong village's indoor stadium.
The National University 's football stadium, assembly hall, Phonesavanh School and the Taekwondo Training Centre will also host events.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
