Opening of National Stadium in Kallang
“This stadium should be used to encourage not just watching games but after watching, to engage in sports and athletics…Perhaps, watching people keep fit may encourage others to do so.”
Speech by then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew
at the official opening of the National Stadium
21 July 1973
The National Stadium, was officially opened on 21 July 1973 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. It was set up with two aims in mind: Firstly, to attain maximum citizen participation in sports; Secondly, to win medals at international sporting events.
The stadium could seat 50,000 spectators and was completed in time to host the prestigious seventh South East Asia Peninsular (SEAP) Games in September 1973. Singapore came out tops, bagging 45 gold medals in total. It was also the venue for 18 National Day Parades.
Click here to view a video of the announcement of the opening of the National Stadium.
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Singapore, CAAS collection
Video courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.