25th SEA Games, Laos

The Lao National Sports Committee (LNSC) says improvements to the Chao Anouvong football stadium in Vientiane are 85 percent complete in the lead-up to the 25th SEA Games.

The committee is currently planting new grass in and around the stadium and believes the upgrade will be complete by September.

Manager of the Construction Projects for the 25th SEA Games, Mr Khiengkham Phouthchanhthavong, said the government is spending 25 billion kip on improving the football stadium. The upgrade began in May 2008.

The improvements include the installation of a high-standard electrical system, scoreboard, running tracks and public facilities. The stadium will be used for the first round of men's and women's football matches.

Last February, a delegation from the Asia Football Confederation inspected the stadium to ensure it meets international standards.

The existing stadium has 7,000 seats, which is believed to be sufficient to accommodate spectators at the first round of the football tournament.

The national football team is currently training at the national sports training centre in Huayhong village, Chanthabouly district. The Savankham Construction Company is undertaking the improvements to the football stadium.

The former national football stadium has hosted the Prime Minister's Cup, the National Games and Lao League Division 1 football matches.

The LNSC is also improving other football stadiums at the National University of Laos, Banking Institute and Lao National Television, which will be used as football venues during the games.

The National Football Stadium in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district, will be used for later round football matches and track and field events.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong

Lao people living across the country will have a chance to see Live broadcast of the 25th SEA GAMES thanks to the cooperation between the Lao national televition and the Lao star channel.



The 25th SEA Games is tentatively set at December 13-21 in Vientiane, Laos. The other areas of focus will be at Luangprabang and Savannakhet province.

At present, $46-million is set for the main stadium, $6 million for the training facility and a new hotel to house an expected figure of 2,500 athletes from 11 southeast asian nations.

Photo: Official mascot for the 25th SEA Games in Laos

Champa and Champi very pleased that our country “Lao PDR” has an opportunity to play host for Coming 25th SEA Games in the year 2009, which shall be the first times ever for our country .we, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to welcome our SEA Games Families and friends from various countries to visit “Laos”. Our country is full natural resources, green environment, national and natural cultures with variety of tourist destination. We, both Champa and Champi, shall assure all of our friends who shall visit us during this SEA Games, our best hospitalities and generosities.

We have full confidence that our friends shall have the most impression of our country “Laos”. This 25th SEA Games 2009 which is considered as the most spectacular multi-sports festival of this region shall certainly harmonized the frien-ship, international relationship, sincerity and joyfulness among our ASEAN member countries.

Don’t forget! Come and visit us in December 2009.
See you in the coming 25th SEA Games 2009.

Sabaidee

Photo of indoor stadium, National University of Laos. This photo was taken during the International Table tenis competition in Vientiane. Laos will host a major international competition in 2009: the South East Asia (SEA) Games where table tennis will be one of the events.