In a moment of profound national pride and a significant leap forward for its burgeoning sports landscape, the Central African state of Chad has officially unveiled its grandest sporting edifice: the Marshal Idriss Deby Itno Olympic Stadium. Located in the town of Mandjafa, this magnificent 30,000-seat venue stands not merely as a concrete and steel structure, but as a powerful symbol of international cooperation and a tangible commitment to the future of Chadian sport. Its inauguration marks a pivotal milestone in the deepening relationship between Chad and China, a partnership that continues to yield impressive infrastructural dividends across the continent.
The stadium bears the distinguished name of the late Marshal Idriss Deby Itno, father of the current president, who initially envisioned and set in motion this ambitious project in 2019. Designed as a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility, the stadium is comprehensively equipped to host a diverse array of athletic and competitive events. From the roar of football crowds to the swift maneuvers of basketball, handball, and volleyball, and the precision of tennis and various athletics disciplines like shot put, the venue is poised to become the beating heart of Chadian sports.
This monumental undertaking was expertly developed by China’s Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group, which meticulously supervised and executed the construction over a period of five years. The project also served as a significant employment generator for the local populace, with an impressive 1,963 Chadian workers contributing their skills and labor to the effort. This local involvement underscores the direct benefit and collaborative spirit embedded within the venture, reinforcing the positive socio-economic impact of such international partnerships.
With its impressive capacity of 30,000 spectators, the Marshal Idriss Deby Itno Olympic Stadium now holds the distinction of being the largest sporting venue in Chad, comfortably surpassing the 20,000-seat Stade National in nearby N’Djamena. This enhanced capacity is not merely a matter of scale; it directly elevates Chad's potential to host larger, more prestigious events on the international calendar.
Indeed, the aspirations for this new venue are grand. Both the Chadian government and its national sporting bodies harbor the ambitious hope that the stadium will one day serve as a host for an edition of the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This ambition reflects a clear vision for showcasing Chad’s growing capacity for staging large-scale international events, thereby elevating its profile on the continental and global sporting stages. Hosting an AFCON would not only bring significant economic benefits but also immeasurable national pride and exposure.
The sentiment surrounding the stadium's completion is one of profound optimism and pride. Senoussi Abdoulaye, Mayor of N’Djamena, eloquently articulated the venue's deeper meaning: “This stadium is not just a building. It is a place of dreams, passion, achievement and togetherness. It represents the aspirations of our young people, the influence of Mandjafa and the hopes of an entire nation on the road to excellence.” His words encapsulate the transformative power that such infrastructure can hold for a nation and its citizens.
The Minister for Youth and Sport, Maide Hamid Lony, echoed this sentiment, crediting the successful realization of the project to the stability achieved under the current leadership. "When you came to power at a time of delicate transition, some sceptics were betting on chaos… but history has proved them wrong,” she stated, emphasizing that the new stadium stands as irrefutable proof of ‘courage, political wisdom and national reconciliation’. This underlines the political will and stable environment essential for the execution of such large-scale national projects.
Adding to the chorus of appreciation, former Minister Hassan Silla Bakari lauded the stadium as "a foundation of friendship and fraternity," highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought it to fruition. Ministry executive Hassan Ibrahim Ali provided a pragmatic perspective, underscoring the significant economic impact the stadium is expected to have. "We pay tens of millions abroad for matches. Now, we have the best stadium in Central Africa,” he noted, emphasizing the financial repatriation and new revenue streams the facility will generate for Chad. This investment in domestic infrastructure is poised to reduce reliance on external venues for major sporting events, keeping valuable resources within the country.
The ceremonial handover of the stadium keys was performed by Chinese Ambassador Wang Xining, who underscored the spirit of partnership. Wang affirmed that the stadium now belongs unequivocally to the Chadian government and its people, serving as a powerful testimony to the fraternal friendship between the Chinese and Chadian peoples and the robustness of the China-Chad strategic partnership. He further highlighted that this significant partnership was recently reaffirmed and renewed during the visit of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to Beijing, China.
The inauguration of the Marshal Idriss Deby Itno Olympic Stadium is more than just an architectural marvel; it represents a bold declaration of intent from Chad. It is a signal of national ambition, a testament to enduring international cooperation, and a vibrant promise for the future of sports and youth development in the Central African nation.
