VIENTIANE: The renovation of Chao Anouvong Stadium is now complete, marking a new chapter for one of Laos’ historic sports facilities and strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan.
The project handover ceremony was held in Vientiane on Wednesday (Nov 11), attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek, as well as Lao delegations, the Ambassador of Japan to Laos and representatives of JICA.
The renovated stadium is expected to be more than just a venue for sporting competitions, serving as an inclusive public space where people from all backgrounds can participate in sports, cultural events and community activities.
Known as a “Stadium for All”, the renovated facility reflects a shared commitment by Laos and Japan to promoting social inclusion and ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal opportunities to participate in public activities.
The renovation project, supported by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has vastly improved the stadium’s facilities, accessibility and safety, making it more welcoming and convenient for a wider range of users.
The Government of Japan provided grant aid of approximately JPY 4.171 billion for the renovation, improving the stadium’s sporting facilities and accessibility.
It now houses a football and rugby pitch, a 400-metre, eight-lane athletics track, and seating for 2,767 spectators.
Accessibility features include designated wheelchair seating areas, ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets.
The ceremony celebrated the friendship between Laos and Japan through a performance by TENGAKU, a Japanese traditional music ensemble, children’s dance performances, the stadium song, and a friendly football match.
These celebrations highlighted the stadium’s potential to bring people together through sports, culture, and community activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Mr Kingmano Phommahaxay said the handover of the Chao Anouvong sports stadium represents the transfer of hope and a bright future to the Lao sports sector.
The ministry will continue to manage the stadium to ensure its long-term use and develop it as a hub for sports, physical education, cultural exchange, tourism and community activities, Mr Kingmano said.
The Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Mr Koizumi Tsutomu, expressed his appreciation to the Lao government, JICA, and all stakeholders involved in the renovation of Chao Anouvong Stadium.
He highlighted the stadium’s role as an inclusive venue promoting sports, health, and community engagement for all people, including persons with disabilities, and expressed hope that it would become a lasting symbol of Laos-Japan friendship.
JICA Senior Vice President, Mr Hayakawa Yuho, emphasised JICA’s commitment to supporting not only infrastructure development but also initiatives that enhance the social value and sustainable utilisation of public facilities.
He further expressed his hope that Chao Anouvong Stadium would strengthen connections among people and contribute to a more inclusive society in Laos.
The Ministry of Education and Sports and JICA have provided training in Japan and other initiatives to strengthen the capacity for stadium management and maintenance.
The two sides organised inclusive pre-events, including dance performances, football activities and fashion shows, to promote the stadium as a facility for use by everyone.
They called for cooperation among disability organisations, sports groups, local communities, businesses and development partners to ensure sustainable operation of the stadium and its use as an inclusive community hub. - Vientiane Times/ANN
