The multi-use, purpose-built Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw, which hosted the recently concluded 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, will not be left idle, a top official said.
The 50-acre sports complex – built using a multimillion-dollar donation from the Chinese government – will be converted into a sports university, U Ye Htut, deputy minister for information, said.
Myanmar garnered kudos from the participant countries and athletes for the modern, well-designed sport complexes built solely for the SEA Games – Wunna Theikdi and Zeyar Thiri. There were concerns that those spectacular complexes will become white elephants following the conclusion of the sporting event.
“Stadiums built for use in the SEA Games will later house a sports university, and candidates for the university will be chosen from among students as young as Grade 9,” U Ye Htut said.
The Wunna Theikdi main stadium, where the opening ceremony was held, is equipped with facilities like individual seating, changing rooms, medical room, utility rooms, warm-up area and a working area for the media.
The main stadium has a 30,000-seat capacity while the indoor stadium can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators.
