The Lao SEA Games Organising Committee (LAOSOC) has completed improvements to six football stadiums in Vientiane to be used for training in the lead-up to the 25th SEA Games this December.
Manager of the 25th SEA Games Construction Project, Mr Khiengkham Phoutchanhthavongsa said the Lao government spent 5 billion kip on upgrading the stadiums.
LAOSOC will permit football teams from the 11 countries competing in the games to train at the stadiums in the lead-up to the event.
The stadiums are located at the National University of Laos' (NUOL) Dongdok Campus, Ministry of National Defence (Km6), Bank Institution, Lao National Television, and two at the National Football Training Centre in Hoayhong village.
The Lao Football Federation has reserved the football training centre for the Lao national female football team to undertake their preparations for the games.
Mr Khiengkham said the six stadiums will be adequate for training needs in the lead-up to the games.
LAOSOC began repairing the stadium at the Ministry of National Defence, located in Chommany village, Xaysettha district, last February.
He said LAOSOC spent more than 100 million kip improving the stadium to include a running track and athletes' dressing rooms.
The ministry hosts its annual football competition and other activities to celebrate Army Day at the stadium.
When the SEA Games have concluded the football stadiums will be handed over to the relevant organisations for use and maintenance.
LAOSOC is responsible for the three football stadiums to be used for competition during the games – the national football stadium at Km16 in Xaythany district, the NUOL stadium and Chao Anouvong football stadium.
The NUOL stadium will host the first round of women's football matches during the games, while first round men's matches will take place at Chao Anouvong football stadium.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
