KL Sports City nominated for award

THE Kuala Lumpur Sports City has been listed as a nominee at the 2017 World Architecture Festival.

The newly-refurbished sports complex, which was officially opened in 1998, is one of the 17 iconic buildings around the world shortlisted as finalists for the New and Old Completed Buildings category at the event, which will be held in November at the Berlin Arena, Germany.

The category is open to projects completed between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2017 involving creative re-use or adaptation, public space or urban design, regenerated city quarters, and town centre revitalisation.

The complex, which includes the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, National Aquatic Centre and Axiata Arena, got a huge makeover as part of preparation for this year’s SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games that will be held in Malaysia.

It also received praise from former Malaysian athletes.

Azman Fahmi Osman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Stadium Corporation, described the nomination as an early success for the country ahead of both events.

"It was not easy to achieve the nomination," he told Astro Arena yesterday.

"Even though it will be even more difficult to win it, I already consider ourselves a winner just by being nominated."

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin was also delighted with the nomination.

"When it has been shortlisted out of hundreds of other international projects, it is a huge recognition for Kuala Lumpur," said Khairy.

"What's important is we continue to keep the sports complex well-maintained after the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games."