Malaysia’s magnificent National Sports Complex, constructed using state of the art technologies was created to serve as the hub of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. The immense world class complex which cost RM 800 million to build encompasses a ground area of 120 hectares and heralded a new era for sports in Malaysia. In addition to the main stadium, the complex also features the National Aquatic Centre, Putra Indoor Stadium, National Squash Centre and National Hockey Stadium.

Without a doubt the complex’s proudest feature is the main stadium, which has been named the National Stadium. The huge sporting arena provides seating for 100,000 and has special facilities for the disabled. Three tiers of spectator seating are available and secondary and functional areas are positioned two levels beneath the primary concourse. The bowl like shape of the stadium is enhanced by the three spectator tiers which overlap each other. As might be expected in such a grand facility, the primary 400m track features nine lanes and adheres to IAAF specifications. Additionally the stadium also has a synthetic track and a warm-up track which is connected to the primary stadium through a tunnel.

Meanwhile the National Aquatic Centre features an Olympic-grade swimming pool; the swimming, synchronized swimming and diving competition pools are of a premier standard and comply with international regulations.

The Putra Indoor Stadium, which hosted the gymnastics events at the ’98 Commonwealth Games in addition to its sporting facilities, can also be configured as a venue for expositions, concerts, conferences and gatherings. The site is equipped with a video matrix full colour scoreboard.

The National Hockey Stadium actually comprises of two stadiums located adjacent to each other. The primary stadium accommodates 12,000 spectators in covered seats, and offers a media centre, conference room, physio room, first aid room and a medical centre.

The National Squash Centre is recognized as one of the world’s largest and best squash facilities. The ten singles courts can be electronically reconfigured into eight doubles courts, and it is also possible to create a multi-purpose large court.

For visitors desiring to explore Malaysia’s capital and seeking a Kuala Lumpur service apartment, the ideal choice would be Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon, a modern serviced residence Kuala Lumpur which provides access to the city’s highlights.

The Sydney Olympic Park is renowned as a suburb in Sydney, Australia. The landmark located in the heart of its town’s business district is a prestigious venue that has attracted millions of people since its inception. The Olympic Park, which was established in 1996, has further played a vital role in the country’s sports, events and cultural events calendar.

The area was originally a suburb of the Homebush Bay and was reconstructed for the 2000 Olympics. After the successful completion of the games, the vicinity still plays host to a wide range of activities and facilities. Many of the facilities used during the Olympic Games are still used for over 5000 sporting and cultural events. Among the many events some of these include the Sydney Festival, Big Day Out, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Rugby Union, Australian Rugby League, National Rugby League, Australian Football League and the many other musical, movie and sporting events. The vicinity also houses commercial development areas and parks.

Travellers to the Sydney Olympic Park will find a number of stadiums in the vicinity and some of these are the Acer Arena, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park; tennis, hockey, archery, swimming, athletic and aquatic centres and the ANZ Stadium. Other facilities include Monster Mountain Biking, Skating, BMX’ing and golfing centres as well. Among these facilities travellers can also seek out the Armoury Gallery and the Armoury Theatre.

Visitors to this wonderful landscape can also find a plethora of attractions adjacent to the Sydney Olympic Park; some worthy of mention are the Bicentennial Park (a place that boasts many playgrounds, picnic spots, cycle ways, wetlands and bird hides), Archery Park, The Brickpit and the Wentworth Common. The Sydney Olympic Park is an ideal place to visit, as travellers not only get to experience its many facilities but also to indulge in the various events available.

A traveller looking for Sydney apartment accommodation that overlooks some of the country’s treasured attractions will find Somerset Darling Harbour ideal. By being among the best Sydney harbour apartments in the area, guests here will be swept away by its comforts, facilities and hospitality.

Apart from the Olympics, the Boston Marathon is the only such race requiring a qualifying race. Therefore qualifying to run is itself a great achievement for many. The qualifying time varies from age group to age group. The race, originally a local one, soon grew in fame and is now open to runners from all over the world. It also used to be a free race with the winner receiving an olive wreath. However since 1986 cash prizes have been awarded to the winners.

It was only in 1972 that women were officially permitted to run the marathon. There were controversies previously in which women entered the race unofficially – and these were later retrospectively recognised. There is now the marathon for individuals with impairments and disabilities as well.

The race is held every Patriots Day which falls on the third Monday in April. The race course spans over a distance of 42.195Km and winds through the Newton Hills, making the Boston Marathon one of the most difficult courses.

If visitors wish to join the 500 000 strong spectators on their next trip to the United States of America, and are looking for Downtown Boston hotels, then the Millennium Bostonian Hotel Boston, with its convenient and central location offers excellent Boston hotel accommodations from which to base yourself.

Featuring excellent nightlife, world class shopping and cuisine that will reawaken your taste buds, Hong Kong has all the makings of a top tourist destination. With its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong is the perfect point of entry into the exotic Orient. While the city remains a popular tourist hub throughout the year, it becomes particularly popular with rugby fans during the months of April and May, as the entire city is overtaken by rugby fever.

The Asian 5 Nations rugby tournament is an annually held event, occurring on 5 consecutive weekends between April and May. The matches take place in several venues across Asia, and rugby teams from all over the continent participate in the event. This not only reaffirms the international outlook of the series, but also makes it more accessible to fans. The tournament is sponsored by HSBC, and was first held in 2008. The Asian 5 Nations represents the pinnacle of Asian rugby, and has a wide fan following. In fact, the 2010 Asian 5 Nations acted as a qualifier for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The matches held in Hong Kong take place at the Hong Kong Football Club. The HKFC is a private social and sports club, and offers extensive facilities, boasting hockey fields and even squash and tennis courts. The club was formed in 1886, and appropriately enough, rugby union was the first club game ever played there. The HKFC has had a long history with rugby, and it is the ideal place to watch the Asian 5 Nations from. The state of the art stadium ensures that, one way or the other, you will leave with lifelong memories.

As you head back to your room in a Hong Kong hotel, you will definitely be planning another trip to the stadium. If you are looking for an exceptional Hong Kong Island hotel with a great location, try the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. Situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s shopping, business and leisure districts, the hotel ensures that you do not have to go far to enjoy the best that the city has to offer.