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Singapore Sports Hub renamed The Kallang, signals push to bring more diverse and accessible experiences across sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 November 2025 – Kallang Alive Sport Management, the company that manages the Singapore Sports Hub, today announced it has officially changed its corporate name to The Kallang Group and Singapore Sports Hub will begin operating under a new name, The Kallang.

The Kallang is a vibrant precinct that encompasses all current infrastructure and assets that was previously known as the Singapore Sports Hub. It is not just a venue for events, but also a destination where memorable moments are made. The Kallang Group is the corporate entity that will continue to oversee the management, programming and delivery of world-class experiences at The Kallang, driving the next chapter of growth for the precinct.

Keith Magnus, Chairman, The Kallang Group, and Quek Swee Kuan, Chief Executive Officer, The Kallang Group, unveiled the new brand name at a launch event held at the Bank of Singapore (BOS) Lounge at the National Stadium. Joining them to celebrate the occasion were The Kallang Group staff and more than 300 stakeholders and partners representing The Kallang’s four pillars – sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community.

Growth since 2022 takeover

Since the 2022 government takeover, The Kallang has gone from strength to strength, delivering more sport, entertainment and lifestyle event days, and significantly increased event attendance. The energy continued into 2025, with The Kallang hosting world-class sporting events such as the World Aquatics Championships and the World Para Swimming Championships. Alongside performances by global icons like Lady Gaga, who chose Singapore as her only stop in Asia, this year’s robust event calendar has further solidified The Kallang’s position as the excitement epicentre of Singapore.

The Kallang has also hosted numerous community events such as the National School Games, Majulah Fiesta, GetActive!, and ONE Countdown, creating meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to come together and strengthen their connection with this iconic precinct.

Keith Magnus, Chairman, The Kallang Group, shared, “The launch of The Kallang marks an exciting new chapter for us. Over the past three years, this precinct has transformed into a dynamic hub for world-class sport, entertainment and community life, hosting over 4,000 event days and welcoming more than nine million visitors. The Kallang Group’s legacy of creating tangible impact extends beyond the numbers. What inspires us is the spirit this place now carries. Our ambition is for The Kallang to become the excitement epicentre of Singapore – a place where global acts, local heroes and everyday Singaporeans unite to share unforgettable experiences that strengthen our national fabric.

“The Kallang is not just a world-class venue. It is a feeling, a connection, a shared memory. This brand launch reflects our commitment to build a precinct that belongs to all Singaporeans – and to ensure The Kallang becomes one of the most exciting and loved destinations in the region for generations to come.”

Why “The Kallang”

In Singapore, “Kallang” represents more than a name or location. It is a powerful yet emotional symbol of national pride. Rooted in Singapore’s collective consciousness, “Kallang” has always represented a space where people unite through competitions, celebrations and shared experiences like the National Day Parade.

“Kallang” has been home to both the previous and current National Stadium, hosting countless memorable moments that united the nation. It is where the legendary “Kallang Roar” and “Kallang Wave” emerged as fans rallied behind Team Singapore, transforming individual voices into a powerful chorus of national pride.

This rich sporting legacy forms the foundation upon which The Kallang now builds. The transition from Singapore Sports Hub to The Kallang represents our evolution – where we broaden our identity while honouring our sporting heritage. It embraces our collective memories while strengthening our belief that sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community form the pillars of a dynamic ecosystem.

Commitment to delivering world-class experiences

The Kallang will continue to serve its purpose as a vibrant, multi-use destination that brings people together through world-class sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community experiences, contributing to the broader vision of bringing the wider Kallang Alive precinct to life.

The Kallang’s new tagline, “Feel Alive”, captures its inventive spirit of creating exciting experiences for all across sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community.

This tagline is anchored on the four brand values of:
Connection: The Kallang will continue to build meaningful networks in the community, aided by how it designs space, creates events and fosters a sense of belonging between people and destination.
Vibrancy: The Kallang is a place built for people, ideas and memories. The energy is woven into the fabric of the destination: where people train, play, perform and gather.
Excellence: The Kallang plans every moment with care and operates with precision to ensure a stellar experience for all.
Leadership: The Kallang continues to bring in firsts and build its momentum with world-class partners as the excitement epicentre of Singapore.

Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian said “For Team Singapore athletes, The Kallang has always been a training ground and stage for world-class excellence. This refreshed identity will continue to inspire the nation and provide a home for iconic sporting moments like the World Aquatics Championships and World Para Swimming Championships.”

“The best venues don’t simply stage events — they create powerful connections between athletes and their fans,” said Charles Hsiung, President of APG and Women’s Tennis Association Tournament Board Representative for the APAC region. “The Kallang’s strength lies in its efficiency, multifunctional capability, and clear delivery of the organisation’s values and mission. It is a dynamic platform for Singapore to elevate the live event experience, inspire athletes to perform their best, deliver memorable moments that resonate deeply with fans across the world, and strengthen the region’s role in the global sport landscape.”

Ensuring diverse programmes for everyone and bringing spaces and experiences to life

The Kallang Group is committed to engaging different communities through our diverse programmes, and bringing spaces and experiences in the precinct to life.

Countdown 2026 at The Kallang, an annual signature countdown event and The Kallang Group’s first event under the new corporate name, brings communities together to usher in the new year as one. This year’s event will feature a thrilling programme, including the Countdown 2026 Concert headlined by K-pop group Super Junior and family-friendly community activities across The Kallang. The community can also look forward to the longest countdown fireworks in Singapore for this year – 35 minutes across four chapters – as the sky above the Kallang Basin lights up in vibrant colours.

To further curate a truly unique experience for our patrons, The Kallang Group announced the introduction of The Kallang Pass, which will grant one lucky winner a pair of tickets to attend a variety of events held at the National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2026. To stand a chance to win The Kallang Pass, patrons must attend Countdown 2026 at The Kallang on 31 December. All Singapore Residents aged 18 and above are eligible to participate. Register your interest here.

Infrastructure Enhancements

To shape a new era of vibrancy across sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community, The Kallang Group has lined up a series of infrastructure enhancements that will elevate the experiences of everyone who steps into The Kallang.

Visitors can look forward to new alfresco food and beverage concepts, a new sheltered padel ecosystem, refreshed family-friendly spaces and more.

An exciting tenant lineup will refresh the area into a community-centric and community-activated plaza that embodies the active spirit of The Kallang.

The action will add vibrancy to the waterfront, lined with new and experiential alfresco dining concepts. This inviting and dynamic esplanade will become the new go-to hangout along the Kallang Basin, serving up new gastronomical experiences from day to night.

The family-favourite Splash-N-Surf will evolve into an enhanced playscape for children of all ages, incorporating water play with active zones that engage the senses. The space will also introduce a sheltered padel ecosystem with competition-ready courts, combining competitive sports, active lifestyle and play all in one venue. The iconic Climb and Bouldering Walls in the mall will also be enhanced to bring new experiences to climbers of all levels.

The enhancement works will start in phases from Q2 2026, with the revitalised mall slated for completion in 2028. The mall will remain operational throughout the works.

Amplifying positive social impact on the community

The Kallang Group is committed to giving back and be a force for good in our community. We work closely with partners, schools and charity organisations to make sports, entertainment and recreational activities more accessible to underserved groups. We provide opportunities for youths, families, seniors and various community groups to participate in inclusive programmes, as well as support volunteerism in social causes and create shared experiences that strengthen our community. These efforts reflect our belief that The Kallang should serve as an inclusive space where Singaporeans from all walks of life can connect and thrive together.

Mr. Magnus added, “As we enter this next phase of growth, we are elevating both the curation and the hardware of the precinct with major upgrades, new national facilities and an even bolder calendar of marquee events. At the same time, we remain grounded in purpose. Since 2023, The Kallang Group has partnered more than 100 charities to create thousands of opportunities for their beneficiaries to enjoy world-class live experiences. We are now exploring a philanthropic fund to give donors and well-wishers a direct role in uplifting the communities we serve. Together, these efforts express who we are today and the kind of impact we aim to make for the future.”

Please find all media assets here.

The Kallang
The Kallang (formerly the Singapore Sports Hub) is Asia’s iconic destination for sporting, entertainment, lifestyle and community experiences. Managed by The Kallang Group (formerly Kallang Alive Sport Management), The Kallang is a vibrant ecosystem in the heart of Singapore that is building on its rich legacy as a national stage and cultural landmark by hosting and organising world-class sporting events, live entertainment and inclusive community activities for all. The Kallang stands as the excitement epicentre of Singapore for patrons from all corners of the world, and where they feel alive.

Home to unique, best-in-class sports and entertainment facilities within the city, The Kallang plays an integral role in accelerating the development of Singapore’s sports and tourism industry. The Kallang includes the following facilities:

A 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof and movable tiered seating
A 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium with pillarless interior
A 6,000-capacity OCBC Aquatic Centre that meets World Aquatics standards
A 3,000-capacity OCBC Arena which is scalable and flexible in layout
Kallang Tennis Hub, Singapore’s first international tournament-ready indoor tennis facility
Kallang Football Hub housing Singapore’s National Training Centre for football
Water Sports Centre featuring kayaking and canoeing
41,000 sqm Kallang Wave Mall, including indoor climbing wall and Splash-N-Surf facility (Kids Waterpark, Stingray and Lazy River)
Promenade that encircles the National Stadium
Singapore Youth Olympic Museum & Singapore Sports Museum
Shimano Cycling World
Daily community facilities and activities, including beach volleyball, hard courts (futsal, basketball and netball), lawn bowls, giant chess, skate park and running & cycling paths.

 

Sports

More Than a Trophy: Africa’s Moment to Champion Women’s Football (By Isha Johansen)

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Global revenues from women’s sports are expected to reach at least $3 billion in 2026, an increase of 340% in four years

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, October 19, 2026/APO Group/ —By Isha Johansen, former CAF (www.CAFonline.com) Executive Committee Member and the first West African woman to serve on the FIFA Council.

For years, Africa has been known for its growth story. Investment has flowed, new tech has been  growing fast, and a young, active population has inspired hope for the future.  Women’s football now offers another lens through which to consider that progress.  Following the conclusion of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Casablanca and Fez, the question is what happens next: whether the momentum generated by the tournament can translate into sustained investment in women’s football, stronger structures and more opportunities for the next generation of players. This tournament was much more than sport. It was a moment to spotlight gender equality, inclusion, and the changing role of women in African sports.

 




  

For too long, women’s sports have been seen as charity projects or CSR boxes to tick; not real investments. That’s changing. Stadiums are filling, fans are showing up, and real money is finally coming in. The message is clear: women’s football is no longer a side issue; it’s a huge opportunity Africa can’t afford to ignore.

Global revenues from women’s sports are expected to reach at least $3 billion in 2026, an increase of 340% in four years (https://apo-opa.co/3U7pm41). In Africa, the true value is still unknown. Most of the investment comes from sports associations, governments, and a handful of sponsors. Ticket sales and big broadcast deals are exceptions, not the rule. So women’s sports here are half-in, half-out: there’s new investment, but plenty of hurdles remain.

Some progress has been made, however. This year, the Confederation of African Football doubled Women’s Africa Cup of Nations prize money to $5.8 million, with $2 million for the winners. Last year, Nigeria’s NWFL Premiership landed its biggest private investment, a ten-year, ₦20 billion partnership, while South Africa’s Women’s League secured a R17 million naming rights deal.

The final whistle will pick a winner, but what happens next will show whether Africa is ready to make women’s football central to its future

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations featured 16 teams, and money from TV and sponsors went up by 40%. Matches were shown on more than one hundred channels. Real interest grew across the continent. Africa’s fans,  young and energetic, followed their teams on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Despite the progress and growing support from fans,  challenges remain. Top female players are leaving for Europe or the US, where their skills are valued and rewarded. Without money from TV deals or steady support from local fans, women’s sports here will keep relying on outside help and quick fixes.

In South Africa, a few years ago, women’s national team players earned just a tenth of what the men did. The gap is closing, but it’s not gone. Women are still few in sports leadership roles, and coaching jobs mostly go to men. But pioneers like South Africa’s Desiree Ellis and Kenya’s Beldine Odemba show what’s possible when women get a real shot: excellence follows.

Mentorship is central to that possibility. Behind every player and coach who broke through, there was almost always someone who opened a door, offered guidance, or made room at the table. Formal mentorship programmes, pairing rising talent with experienced players, coaches, and administrators, gave young women a clearer path into leadership roles that had long been closed to them. To turn potential into progress, more is needed than just a few stars. Governments, sports bodies, and private investors must team up by building partnerships, investing in training grounds, leadership, mentorship, and the kind of infrastructure that lasts.

The private sector can’t afford to sit this out. New models like sportswomen-driven content, streaming platforms, and direct fan engagement can break old barriers. Organisations like Tibu Africa, a leading NGO empowering young people through sport, show how football can drive wider social change by building opportunities and breaking down barriers. Their work reminds us that every girl deserves a shot at the game and demonstrates the impact that partnerships between the private sector, government, and civil society can have.

Governments must make investing in women’s sports worthwhile, guarantee fairness, and keep things transparent. Regional bodies should align standards, share resources, and channel funds into grassroots development. And media matters too: having more women on camera or working behind the scenes changes opinions and gives new role models the chance to shine.

TotalEnergies’ partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is more than a sponsorship. It’s a commitment to building African football from the grassroots up, creating lasting opportunities for players, fans, and communities. Supporting CAF helps raise the visibility of women’s football and strengthens the sport as a force for unity and inclusion across the continent. This investment reflects an alignment of values: sustainable development, community empowerment, and celebrating Africa’s potential.

If Africa misses this window, old gaps will widen, and the chance to lead in women’s sports could be lost. But if we step up now, the rewards are huge: jobs, tourism, and growth everywhere you look. This tournament is more than a trophy. It’s a test of whether Africa will build up its talent or watch it leave. The final whistle will pick a winner, but what happens next will show whether Africa is ready to make women’s football central to its future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Confederation of African Football (CAF).

 

 




 

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How the “Dual Olympic City” Activates the Sports Event Economy

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Dual Olympic City

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2026 – On the evening of October 6, after Djokovic won the first set of the men’s singles final, his opponent Alex de Minaur retired due to injury, giving Djokovic his seventh China Open title.

During the tournament, the excitement of the China Open extended from the courts to the entire park. The “second venue” with big-screen viewing, a rich variety of officially licensed merchandise, and food and beverage outlets full of everyday bustle blended the passion of sports competition with the city’s relaxed atmosphere, creating a diverse holiday viewing experience.

 




  

“After entering through the two ticket gates—north and south—of the National Tennis Center, there are officially licensed merchandise stores at both locations. During the National Day holiday, each of these two stores received over 10,000 visitors a day. Nearly a thousand products give everyone’s tournament memories a tangible carrier,” said Yin Xufei, head of the China Open officially licensed merchandise store.

Also thriving thanks to the events is Shougang Park in Shijingshan, Beijing. The World Table Tennis (WTT) China Grand Smash held in this industrial-style park echoed the China Open during the National Day holiday for the third consecutive year, giving the most vivid footnote to the “Golden Week of Sports Events.”

“People can spend a whole day wandering around Shougang Park—dining, markets, and souvenirs are all available. Besides going into the venue to watch matches and cheer for the athletes, you can also feel the festive atmosphere of table tennis, China’s national sport, blending with the National Day holiday at the Grand Smash Park,” said Gao Yize, a fan from Xinjiang.

At the WTT China Grand Smash official licensed store, visitors and tourists stopped to learn about the tournament-themed T-shirt that lets you “Explore Shijingshan in One T-Shirt.” For those familiar with the “ticket stub economy,” this T-shirt is a “walking ticket stub.” Wearing the benefits during the tournament gives you access to exclusive discounts on dining, accommodation, and sightseeing at hundreds of partner merchants in Shougang Park, Yongdingheji, Moshikou Historical and Cultural Street, and other locations.

The “Golden Week of Sports Events” ignited a city. Led by high-level international events such as the China Open and the WTT China Grand Smash, competitive sports, mass sports, and youth sports events at all levels covered the north, south, east, and west of the “Dual Olympic City” and integrated into its streets and alleys.

During the National Day holiday, the Beijing Yizhuang GT World Challenge attracted over 26,000 spectators. By Tongming Lake, engines roared, and speed and passion were set against the lake and city scenery. The automobile-themed carnival, integrating race viewing, car culture, technology interaction, and leisure consumption, drove significant growth in surrounding dining, retail, and accommodation spending. In Miyun on the outskirts of Beijing, the China Men’s 3×3 Basketball League Championship linked cultural tourism resources and key commercial districts, opening the “Chao San” Market that brought together over 30 merchants offering Miyun’s Three Roasts, intangible cultural heritage “loufen” (starch noodles), and other specialties, allowing fans to enjoy food and buy local products after watching the games…

The “Dual Olympic City” has made holiday cultural tourism scenarios a standard feature of sports events, expanding event consumption scenarios and enhancing the event consumption experience, further demonstrating the enormous potential of the sports event economy.
 




 

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Beijing Marathon to Kick Off on October 18: Road Running Charm Blooms in the Golden Autumn Capital

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 September 2026 – On September 28, the 2026 Bank of China Beijing Marathon & National Marathon Championships held a press conference in Beijing, officially disclosing the event’s preparation details and competition arrangements. The race is scheduled to start on October 18, 2026, with a total field of 32,000 runners.

Founded in 1981, the Beijing Marathon is the oldest city marathon in China and a World Athletics Gold Label road race. Over more than four decades, it has evolved from a simple marathon event into a unique urban experience that traverses Beijing.

 




 
The Beijing Marathon boasts a highly distinctive course. The start line is set at Tiananmen Square. After setting off, runners follow Chang’an Avenue, passing through Fuxingmen and Fuxing Road, before heading north into the Xueyuan Road area in Haidian District, and finally arriving at the Olympic Park, where they sprint to the finish along the landscaped avenue between the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.

One of the most notable features of this year’s Beijing Marathon is the integration of the race with the National Marathon Championships. China’s top professional athletes will compete for championship placings on the same course, while mass runners set off alongside them, bringing professional competition and national fitness together on a single course. The event not only provides a high-level competitive platform for professional runners but also preserves broad participation channels for everyday runners, striving to strike a balance between competitive leadership, public participation, and organisational effectiveness.

In terms of event support and civilised race organisation, the organising committee has simultaneously released a number of upgraded measures to comprehensively optimise the participant experience and safeguard race order, building a refined system of medical support, course supplies, and smart guidance, while continuing mature international event service standards. The event also emphasises green organisation, introducing reusable eco-friendly cups, multi-tap self-service water stations, backpack-style water supply equipment, and recyclable waste collection pools, among other environmental measures.

In golden autumn October, Beijing’s mild temperatures make it the perfect season for running. This year’s Beijing Marathon continues to be rooted in Beijing, the “Dual Olympic City,” showcasing the vitality of China’s road running and the urban charm of Beijing to runners and audiences around the world through professional race standards, international event-organising concepts, and profound urban heritage.
 




 

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