KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s veteran athletes gave their thumbs up to the renovated facilities at Kuala Lumpur Sports City (KLSC), formerly known as Bukit Jalil Sports Complex.
They visited the new facilities at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Axiata Arena (Putra Indoor Stadium), National Hockey Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre.
Among the notable sports icons present were 'Flying Doctor' Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, football legend 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.
The tour was organised by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) in conjunction with the upcoming Sea Games.
It was aimed at allowing Malaysian sports veterans the opportunity to view the venues and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in Malaysia’s national sporting facilities.
Soh, in expressing his satisfaction after touring the facilities this afternoon, said this is an important moment for the hosts.
"I think Malaysians will be really happy to be putting on this sporting showcase," he said.
Meanwhile, Ong was impressed that the facilities are built to international standards and designed to welcome the world.
He also called on Malaysian athletes to make full use of home ground advantage and shine in the Sea Games.
"We have a lot of talented athletes and this will be the perfect opportunity build on their preparation for Asian games and the Olympics,” he said.
MRCB general manager S. Nalgunalingam said the refurbishment and facelift works to built the KLSC are divided into two phases.
"The first phase is the stadium and facilities facelift as well as upgrading works which is almost complete.
“The second phase is to built commercial and business facilities around the stadium grounds and open carpark area," he told reporters.
He said the second phase is expected to commence next year after the Sea Games which will be held next month.
He noted that the first phase is estimated to cost around RM499 million with the final amount yet to be finalised.
MRCB and Malaysia Stadium Corporation are the stakeholders for the KLSC project, which is set to transform the landscape of Bukit Jalil as a major sports hub and tourist destination.