Phnom Penh, Cambodia, December 19, 2021: Morodok Techo National Stadium was officially inaugurated on Saturday, December 18 in a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen and China’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian.
Also in attendance were Cambodia's deputy prime ministers and senior ministers, among others, reports The Phnom Penh Post. Cambodia's Minister of Tourism, Dr Thong Khon, is also President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia.
The sports complex is located in Praek Ta Sek commune of Chroy Changvar district. It sits on 16.22 hectares of land and has a 60,000-seat capacity.
It will be the centerpiece venue for hosting the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in May 2023 and the ASEAN Para Games later in the same year, as well as the OCA’s 5th Asian Youth Games in 2029.
It was constructed with a financial grant from China of $150 million.
Speaking at the stadium's inauguration, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that this was an achievement made possible by the strong bonds of friendship between Cambodia and China.
“This achievement is just one of many supported by China. If we talk about grants, this is the largest grant provided by China. This is an achievement made possible by the immeasurably good hearts of China's leaders and the Chinese people on behalf of the Cambodian people,” Hun Sen said, adding that Chinese grants help to strengthen Cambodia’s socioeconomic situation and the Kingdom’s independence.