NATIONAL STADIUM
Bukit Bintang
SPECIAL PROJECTS
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
Stadium Negara is the nation’s first-ever indoor stadium. Going back down memory lane to 1949, when Malaya managed to bag the very first Thomas Cup championship as the champion, the nation owned the right to hold the next Thomas Cup in 1952 in our land. However, with the absence of any indoor stadium in Malaya, the following two Thomas Cup championships were instead held in Singapore, despite Malaya continuing to win both championships. This eventually sparks the imagination to create a proper venue with advanced facilities and standards.
In 1959, Tunku Abdul Rahman conveyed his idea of building a 10,000-capacity indoor stadium that can be used not only for badminton games, but also other indoor games along with exhibitions and activities. Hence, this resulted in the completion of the National Stadium which displayed the passion and progression of the nation in pursuing competitive sports and entertainment.
BUILDING TIMELINE
1950
1940
Backstory
The souvenir booklet commemorating Malaya’s first Thomas Cup win
The eight players of 1949 winning team
25th - 26th February
1949
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The Britain organized the first Thomas Cup
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The sporting event was won by Malaya, beating Denmark 8-1
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As winners, Malaya earned the right to host the next Thomas Cup in 1952. However, Malaya has no indoor stadium
1952 & 1955
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Thomas Cup 1952 and 1955 was held in Singapore
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Malaya continue to won both Thomas Cup 1952 and 1955
1959
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In middle to late 1959, Tunku Abdul Rahman started to considered a national indoor stadium
The stadium was expected to accommodate up to 10,000 capacity and be use for exhibition purposes and indoor games
PRE-MERDEKA
ERA
Construction
Stadium Negara Roof Design of Unsupporteed "bicycle wheel structure"
Source: The Merdeka Interviews
1959
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Stanley Jewkes, who was the Director of Public Works during that time, decided to undertake the project because of his past experience with Merdeka Stadium and did all the drawings for the stadium
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Stadium Negara initially had its roof design of unsupported “bicycle wheel structure”
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The unsupported “bicycle spokes” roof is one of the largest in South East Asia
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The construction cost more than 34 million and is considered the best closed stadium in South East Asia
19th April
1962
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The stadium was officially open to the public officiated by the DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Putra Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail
MERDEKA ERA
May
1962
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The stadium became the place for the country to hold the first Asian Badminton Championship on May 1962
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Malaysia won as champion against Indonesia on 6th May 1962
Events
Roof replaced by space frames in 1982
1982 & 1985
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Renovations took place to replace the original roof with a dome due to persistent leaks caused by the former roof
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The roof is replaced with dome roof supported by space frames
POST-MERDEKA
ERA
1980
1960
OTHER RESOURCES
Related Link /
Website
Official Website
TBC