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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.”

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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

Take Your Shot & Make Your Moment: OPPO Ignites Football Culture with Technology at the UEFA Champions League Final

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OPPO

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 May 2026 – The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Final has drawn to a spectacular close in Budapest, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging victorious to lift the legendary trophy. As an official partner of the UEFA Champions League for four consecutive years, global technology brand OPPO joined the celebrations to mark the end of another action-packed season supporting football development and football culture worldwide with technology. With its advanced camera technology and Make Your Moment philosophy, OPPO has enabled millions of football fans worldwide to capture highlights and record life-defining moments both inside and outside the stadium this season, inspiring everyone to Take Your Shot with OPPO.

Telephoto Camera & AI Take Match Viewing to a New League

At the event in Budapest, OPPO showcased its latest telephoto camera technology and AI innovations in an immersive exhibition featuring the latest flagship Find X series—including the newly launched OPPO Find X9 Ultra—alongside the Find N foldable series and the Reno series. Equipped with a Hasselblad-powered 10x optical telephoto zoom, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra enables fans to capture detailed stadium moments with remarkable clarity, even from the upper tiers, while 8K ultra-clear video recording and advanced AI imaging capabilities make it easier than ever to capture decisive match moments, including game-winning shots, as if standing on the sidelines. Through the comprehensive end-to-end image ecosystem, OPPO Find X9 Ultra users can also share footages at near to original image quality across social platforms instantly. From high-resolution capture, smart editing, to lossless sharing, OPPO makes it effortless to Take Your Shot and Make Your Moment with exciting match moments preserved in vivid detail.

Empowering Global Football Development and Igniting Passion Worldwide

Beyond the pitch, OPPO continues to support football development through innovation and partnership programs, using its advanced smartphone imaging capabilities to help fans around the world capture iconic match moments and share the passion and emotion of the game. In collaboration with Discovery, OPPO has produced a UEFA Champions League short film that showcases the emotional power of football told through real fan stories, using OPPO imaging technology to bring the spirit of the game to audiences globally.

Over the past year, OPPO has also launched a range of football partnerships and community initiatives around the world. In Indonesia, OPPO became the official smartphone partner of the BRI Super League for the 2025–2027 season, supporting the continued development of football in the country. Meanwhile in Mexico, as the official sponsor of football club Gambeta FC, OPPO supported the club’s youth academy through equipment donations, scholarship programs, tournament organization, talent development initiatives, and professional coaching resources. Through these efforts, OPPO is helping players of different ages to develop their talent and chase their dreams of becoming professional football players while continuing to support and inspire a shared passion for football across communities worldwide.

In May 2026, OPPO Colombia announced football star Luis Díaz as its official brand ambassador. As part of the partnership, OPPO teamed up with the Luis Díaz Foundation to launch the “Lucho por Colombia (Fight for Colombia)” social responsibility initiative. The program provides smart connected devices and support for digital skills training centers across Colombia’s La Guajira region, helping expand access to digital education in local communities. Through collaborations with the football star, alongside other public welfare initiatives and continued product innovation, OPPO continues to strengthen its connection with local communities and further expands its presence across Latin America under its long-term commitment to the market.

Beyond these social and community welfare initiatives, OPPO has also launched a number of football-themed events that bring the brand and football fans closer together worldwide through a shared passion for football. On the eve of the UEFA Champions League final, OPPO invited football legends Theo Walcott and Claude Makélélé to join a 5v5 friendly match in Budapest, where the legends shared skills, career experiences, and discussed their perspectives on the game with fans. Key moments throughout the match were captured using OPPO’s latest flagship smartphone, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, with every pass, shot, and interaction recorded in vivid detail through the device’s advanced imaging capabilities.

Inspiring Young Creators and Championing Football Culture

Ahead of the final, OPPO partnered with Discovery Channel to launch the Filmmaker Accelerator Program. With mentorship from Discovery, the initiative encourages aspiring creators to capture diverse stories using OPPO imaging technology, helping to support young creators globally. With football culture as one of the program’s core themes, OPPO is not only empowering the next generation of creators with a platform for expression but also enriching stories around football culture through these diverse perspectives, taking the spirit of football beyond borders to connect with broader audiences worldwide. As part of the program, a special documentary video exploring football culture is set to premiere worldwide at the end of June 2026.

As another sensational UEFA Champions League season comes to an end, OPPO looks forward to continuing to use its world-leading innovation to bring football fans around the world more powerful and user-friendly technology that enables everyone to Make Your Moment by capturing football highlights both on and off the pitch. In the meantime, OPPO will continue to deepen its long-term partnerships with global football institutions, promoting new ways of expressing and sharing football culture as it takes the game to the next level worldwide.

 

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Basketball Africa League (BAL) Innovation Summit 2026

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Basketball

Participants took part in a series of panels, fireside chats and presentations focused on the intersection of technology, fan engagement and operational excellence in sport

KIGALI, Rwanda, May 28, 2026/APO Group/ — The 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Innovation Summit (https://BAL.NBA.com/), presented by Amazon Web Services and supported by Afreximbank, Greenride Africa, RwandAir and ServiceNow took place on Tuesday, May 26 in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together leaders from across sport, business, technology and the creative industries to explore the future of Africa’s sports ecosystem. Held in conjunction with the BAL Playoffs and Finals, the Summit convened key stakeholders to engage in forward-looking conversations under the theme “Beyond the Game: Building the Future of Sport, Business and Culture in Africa.”

Participants took part in a series of panels, fireside chats and presentations focused on the intersection of technology, fan engagement and operational excellence in sport.

During a featured fireside chat, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall outlined the league’s continued evolution and the transition toward a franchise model, emphasizing the opportunity to build sustainable, locally rooted teams and unlock new commercial pathways for partners and investors.

 

Other sessions featured contributions from global and African leaders, including representatives from ServiceNow, the Rwanda ICT Chamber and leading sports organizations, highlighting how innovation and data are transforming how leagues operate and how fans experience the game.

 

The summit also spotlighted the growing connection between sport and the creative economy, with sessions exploring the role of music, fashion and storytelling in shaping Africa’s global cultural influence. Industry leaders discussed how collaboration across sectors can help scale Africa’s creative industries while amplifying the continent’s talent and narratives on a global stage.

 

Notable attendees included Rwanda Development Board and partner representatives, 2004 WNBA All-Star and Boston Celtics Vice President: Team Operations and Organizational Growth Allison Feaster, 2011 NBA champion Ian Mahinmi, 2012 Olympian Pops Mensah-Bonsu, 2026 FIBA Hall of Famer and former WNBA player Clarisse Machanguana, Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director Jessica Motaung, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, Rwanda ICT Chamber Private Sector CEO Alex Ntale, Qatar Foundation Director of Sports Strategy Safia Al-naimi, RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo, Greenride Africa CEO Aboubacar Casse, ServiceNow Africa Vice President and Managing Director Cheick Camara, Fashion Designer Chuks Collins, and YouTube Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa Addy Awofisayo.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

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Rugby Africa Appoints Former National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Executive Aïcha Diop as Chief of Staff to the President

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Rugby

In this strategic leadership role, Aïcha Diop will support Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, Executive Board Member of World Rugby and Chairman of World Rugby Regions

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby union in Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of former NBA Africa executive Aïcha Diop as Chief of Staff to the President.

 

In this strategic leadership role, Aïcha Diop will work and support  Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, Executive Board Member of World Rugby, and Chairman of World Rugby Regions—the body uniting the presidents of all six continental rugby associations: Rugby Europe, Asia Rugby, Rugby Americas North (RAN), Sudamérica Rugby, Oceania Rugby, and Rugby Africa. In his capacity, Mr Mensah operates at the intersection of continental and global sports governance, engaging with heads of state, ministers, and leaders of development finance institutions to advance the role of sport as an engine for economic growth and social development. These combined mandates place him among the most influential sports administrators in Africa.

A seasoned international executive, Aïcha brings over 18 years of experience across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, combining strategic leadership, operational execution, and high-level expertise in marketing, brand development, and audience growth. She has held senior roles at NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League, part of the team who launched the Basketball Africa League (BAL) where she led multi-market initiatives, coordinated cross-functional teams, and contributed to the growth and visibility of the organisation through impactful campaigns and programmes.

Attracting talent of this calibre reflects our ambition to elevate rugby across Africa and position Rugby Africa as a modern, high-performance organisation on the global stage

Her career also includes senior positions at IBM, where she managed regional initiatives across multiple African markets, aligning strategy with execution and supporting business growth. In addition, she has been involved in the delivery of major international sports and entertainment events, including Formula 1, UFC, and global football competitions, and broader sports ecosystem on the continent further strengthening her ability to operate in high-performance, international environments.

Aïcha holds a Master’s degree in Sport & Lifestyle Management from Rome Business School, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her combined academic and professional background provides a strong understanding of sports ecosystems, organisational dynamics, and audience engagement, supporting Rugby Africa’s ambitions to expand its reach and impact across the continent.

Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Aïcha Diop to Rugby Africa. Her exceptional track record, international exposure, and deep understanding of the sports and commercial landscape make her a remarkable addition to our leadership team. Attracting talent of this calibre reflects our ambition to elevate rugby across Africa and position Rugby Africa as a modern, high-performance organisation on the global stage.”

Aïcha Diop added: “It is a great honour to join Rugby Africa at such an exciting time for the sport across the continent. Under the leadership of President Herbert Mensah, Rugby Africa is playing an increasingly important role on both the African and global stage. The continued success of African rugby, exemplified by South Africa’s Rugby World Cup victories in 1995, 2007, 2019, and most recently in 2023, reflects the immense potential of the continent. I look forward to contributing to this momentum, supporting the delivery of Rugby Africa’s strategic priorities, and working alongside its stakeholders to further unlock the power of rugby as a driver of opportunity, unity, and sustainable development across Africa.”

In her role as Chief of Staff, Aïcha will work closely with the President to drive strategic initiatives, enhance coordination across member unions and stakeholders, and support the delivery of Rugby Africa’s long-term vision, including the continued expansion of competitions, partnerships, and youth engagement across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

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