THE spotlight is on Sultan Ibrahim Stadium as it approaches its first anniversary on February 22.
Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) unveiled their state-of-the-art stadium to the world in 2020 and one year on, the megastructure is in the running for the World Stadium of the Year award.
The StadiumDB.com award, which claims to be the "world’s largest public vote on stadiums", sees 20 new stadiums around the world vying for the top prize and bragging rights. The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is the only stadium nominated from the region and the first Malaysian stadium to ever be in the running.
JDT's pride and joy is more than just a landmark, it is a unique destination for football enthusiasts in Southeast Asia. Described as state-of-the-art by the club and observers alike, the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is one of Asia’s leading stadiums and holds the distinction of being the most advanced football stadium in Southeast Asia.
As for on-the-pitch results, the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is hinting at a fortress in the making with JDT winning seven and recording a draw in a shortened 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Among those wins include a 7-0 thrashing of Perak, a 6-1 humiliation of Selangor and a 2-1 win over Korean side Suwon Bluewings in the AFC Champions League.
While maintenance has often been an issue in Malaysia — as seen in just about every other facility in the country — HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Crown Prince of Johor's active involvement in the running of the club and eye for detail ensures that upkeep for Sultan Ibrahim Stadium remains consistent.
This is clearly evident by the club’s undertaking to returf the entire pitch ahead of the 2021 campaign despite it having the best football field in Malaysia.
Work on the new turf, also of the Zeon Zoysia breed, started at the end of the 2020 campaign in October in lieu of the 2021 campaign beginning on March 5.
It’s important to note that the diamond-shaped balloon featured during the grand opening a year ago is a perfect embodiment of the precious care afforded to the stadium ever since.
Based on teasers by the club, diamonds will also be featured in the soon-to-be-released 2021 Nike Home & Away Kit.
Interestingly enough, 2021 is also the 135th anniversary of the Johor Crown — a precious jewel that is encrusted with over 2700 diamonds. How will JDT incorporate this? All will be revealed on February 24.
Meanwhile, you can vote for Sultan Ibrahim Stadium to be the World Stadium of the Year. - The Vibes, February 18, 2021
Former journalist Vijhay is Head of Content at Johor Darul Ta'zim FC following stints with Malay Mail, Sports247.my, FourFourTwo Malaysia and FOX Malaysia. You may have also heard him on BFM Football or watched him on Media Prima's football programmes. Vijhay can be reached at @vijhayvick on Twitter.
