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Today, the Tonga High School Indoor Sports Hall, a state-of-the-art sports facility, was officially opened by His Royal Highness Tuputoa Ulukalala, Crown Prince of Tonga. The opening ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Sinaitakala, Prime Minister His Excellency Huakawameliku and Chinese Ambassador to Tonga His Excellency Liu Weimin.
The newly built indoor stadium covers an area of 4,311 square meters and is 19 meters high. It will serve as the main venue for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum to be held from August 26 to 30, 2024. This multi-functional facility can host not only sporting events, but also large-scale celebrations and conferences, which is an important addition to Tonga’s infrastructure.
The indoor stadium is an important part of the Tonga High School Sports Complex Project, which is currently the largest Chinese aid project in Tonga, with an investment of 62 million Tongan dollars (about 27 million US dollars). The project includes an outdoor rugby field, two outdoor tennis courts, four outdoor netball courts, a refurbished outdoor basketball court and other facilities, and is expected to be fully completed in December 2024.
The project was jointly constructed by Chinese construction companies Jiangsu Guangyu Construction Group Co., Ltd., Beijing Institute of Architectural Design Co., Ltd. and Shenyang Engineering Supervision Consulting Co., Ltd.
Despite numerous challenges, including a tight deadline to complete the stadium within this month and delays in the arrival of container cargo of construction materials into Tonga, the construction team was able to complete the stadium in time for the Forum.
Ambassador Liu Weimin stressed China’s commitment to Tonga, saying: “China is a trusted partner and friend in need.” In addition to the stadium, China also supported the Tonga High School renovation project and donated 20 brand new Great Wall TANK 500 limousines.
The decision to hold the Pacific Islands Forum at the new stadium rather than the 17-year-old Faonelua Convention Centre reflects the shared vision of Tonga and China for the country’s future development.
The completion of the stadium is a reflection of the partnership between Tonga and China, with contributions from the Ministries of Education, Lands and Surveys and Infrastructure. The remaining finishing touches to the stadium will be completed after the Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
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