The National Sports Complex

Most countries around the world undertake the task of constructing elaborate sporting facilities when they are chosen to host prestigious sports events. In 1994, Malaysia was selected as the host nation of the XVI Commonwealth Games to be held in 1998. It was the first time that an Asian country had been awarded the honor of hosting the games and in order to ramp up its facilities, the country decided to create a huge multi-sporting facility in the form of the massive National Sports Complex (Kompleks Sukan Negara). 

This gargantuan sporting facility, currently the largest sports complex in Malaysia is situated in Bukit Jalil at a distance of 20 km south of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The complex which is managed by a government body, Perbadanan Stadium Merdeka (PSM) is divided into various sections according the facilities it offers for various sporting events.

Listed below are some of its main components:-

The Bukit Jalil National Stadium

This expansive oval-shaped stadium is the star attraction of the complex. Equipped with a seating capacity for 100,000 spectators, this stadium, which spans over 76000 meters is one of the largest stadiums in the world. The National stadium was the host site for events like the opening ceremony, athletic events and football matches during the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Today, the national stadium is the choice locale for the hosting events like concerts, seminars, exhibitions, family-day activities and product launches, all of which tend to draw large crowds.

The Putra Stadium

The smaller Putra stadium located close by was built as the host site for events like boxing, badminton, basketball, tennis, fencing, judo, wrestling and gymnastics, during the games. Today this stadium, which has a seating capacity for 16000 spectators, hosts events like concerts, music shows and equestrian tourneys. The Putra stadium can also be easily modified to host functions like weddings, product launches and other corporate events.

Dewan Sri Putra

The Dewan Sri Putra located behind the Putra Stadium is an indoor facility suited to host functions like weddings, indoor sporting competitions, seminars and various other corporate events. This hall which measures 94.5 feet by 166.5 feet, is equipped with features 200 fixed seats and can accommodate 3000 people at a time. Other onsite facilities include changing rooms and toilets.

The National Aquatic Centre 

The National Aquatic Centre which is covered by a high dome was constructed in accordance with guidelines issued by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The centre extends over 28000 meters and features three pools, namely an Olympic size pool with ten lanes, a diving pool and training pool. The centre offers a fixed seating capacity for 4000 spectators, though temporary seating arrangements can be created for an additional 2000 spectators. The centre offers swimming and training classes, which are open to the general public.

The National Squash Centre 

The complex’s main squash facility is equipped with ten courts which can be easily modified according to event needs. The centre offers a seating capacity for 1000 spectators.

The National Hockey Stadium

The National Hockey Stadium encompasses two stadiums, Stadium 1 or the ‘main stadium’ and Stadium 2, a smaller training stadium.  Both stadiums are outfitted with the requisite AstroTurf playing fields. Stadium 1 has a seating capacity for 12000 spectators while Stadium 2 can seat 2000 spectators (1000 in covered seats and 1000 in uncovered seats). Other facilities at the stadium include conference rooms, a physiotherapy room and a well-equipped media center.

The Extreme Sports Park

The Extreme Sports Park is equipped with facilities like a paintball center, a golf driving range, two sepak takraw courts, beach volley ball courts and basketball courts. All these facilities offer public access and are popular locales for family-day outings and corporate events.

Other attractions at the National Sports complex include the Commonwealth Hill Memorial Park, an onsite hawker food court and a serene pedestrianized promenade along the Sungai Kuyoh, a river flowing between the National Sports Complex and the Extreme Sports Park.

The 1998 Commonwealth Games may have ended a long time ago, but the National Sports Complex continues to feature as a prominent attraction of Malaysia’s sporting arena and is definitely worth visiting.

http://www.stadium.gov.my/index.php/en/