Phnom Penh: After eight years of construction, Cambodia finally has a new national stadium. Built at a cost of $200-million, funded by China, the “Morodok Techo National Sports Complex” is ready. Located in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar, the stadium is the country’s first multi-purpose, international-standard sports facility. It will be the centerpiece of the 2023 SEA Games.

Resembling a ship under sail, it’s been designed as a symbol of the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and China. The five-storey, 60-thousand seat stadium is located 18 kms north of downtown Phnom Penh. Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, says it’s a great achievement for the Cambodian sports sector and is a new symbol of the “iron-clad” friendship between Phnom Penh and Beijing.

He says not only will it support the development of the sports sector, but also serve as a tourism magnet in the post-pandemic era. The $200-million stadium is considered to be the largest gift that the government and people of China have given to the kingdom.