‘Make the most of world-class facilities’
KUALA LUMPUR: If first impressions count, the 2017 Southeast Asia Games preparations are going well as far as the nation’s veteran athletes are concerned.
They are pleased with the facilities at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City (KLSC), formerly known as the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex.
The veterans, who have all excelled in their respective sport, took a tour of the new facilities at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Axiata Arena (Putra Indoor Stadium), National Hockey Stadium and National Aquatic Centre.
Among the sports icons present were “Flying Doctor” Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, football legends Datuk Soh Chin Aun and Datuk Santokh Singh, former national hockey player and coach Datuk R. Yogeswaran, 1970s badminton star Datuk James Selvaraj, sprinter Datuk Rabuan Pit and former Asian Games silver medallist Jeffrey Ong.
Also present was Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) executive vice-president Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, who is also former secretary-general of the Football Association of Malaysia.
The sports veterans liked what they saw and expressed their satisfaction after touring the facilities yesterday.
Jegathesan, 73, said the facilities for the upcoming Sea Games are second to none and among the latest, adding that athletes should give their best as they have trained hard for this moment.
“The nation’s past Sea Games glories at home are a reminder that Malaysia can once again do well in its own backyard.”
“You will be competing in worldclass facilities, so make the most of it,” said the former sprinter, who is Olympic Council of Asia Medical Committee chairman.
Soh, a member of the golden generation of Malaysian football in 1970s and 1980s, said this was an important moment for the host.
He said Malaysians would be happy to put on this sports showcase.
MRCB general manager S. Nalgunalingam said the refurbishment and facelift works to build the KLSC were divided into two phases.
“The first phase is the facelifts for the stadium and facilities, as well as upgrading works that are almost complete.
“The second phase is to build commercial and business facilities on the stadium grounds and an open car park area.”
He said the second phase was expected to commence next year, after the Sea Games next month.
He said the first phase was estimated to cost RM499 million, with the final amount yet to be finalised.
MRCB and Malaysia Stadium Corporation are the stakeholders of the KLSC project, which is set to transform the landscape of Bukit Jalil as a major sports hub and tourist destination.