President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno inaugurated the Marshal Idriss Deby Itno Olympic Stadium in the capital city on May 23, a significant milestone for Chad’s sports and infrastructure development. The 30,000-seat stadium, constructed and donated by China, stands as the largest sports facility in the country.
At the inauguration ceremony, President Deby Itno highlighted the stadium as a testament to the robust cooperation between Chad and China, emphasizing mutual respect and shared aspirations.
Chinese Ambassador to Chad, Wang Xining, described the stadium as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations, expressing hope that it would elevate Chad’s presence on the international sports stage.
Constructed by China’s Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation Ltd., the stadium was officially handed over to the Chadian government on May 12.
This development is part of China’s broader engagement in Africa, often referred to as “stadium diplomacy,” where China funds and builds sports facilities across the continent to strengthen diplomatic ties.
The new stadium is expected to serve as a hub for national and international sporting events, fostering athletic talent and promoting sports tourism in Chad.
