Hubei to build $52m Li Na stadium

Updated: 2012-05-29 15:27

(chinadaily.com.cn)

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Tennis star Li Na is to be honored by her home province with the building of a new stadium named after the sports icon, Qianjiang Evening News reports.

The National Reform and Development Commission has reportedly approved 330 million yuan ($52 million) for Hubei province to build the stadium.

According to an official from the Hubei Sports Bureau, the design of the stadium hasn't been finished yet. It was originally to be named the "Li Na Tennis Stadium" but later was changed to the "Li Na Comprehensive Stadium" to allow other sports.

The stadium will be completed within two years and hold 8,000 people.

In July, Wuhan City will hold a professional world tour event for men's tennis with a prize fund of $50,000. The city will bid for other events with higher grades in the future.

"We hope Li Na's fame can help promote the sports economy in Hubei province," said an official.

Hubei province is home to many Chinese tennis stars including Li Na and her husband Jiang Shan, Yu Liqiao, Li Ting, Zhu Benqiang, and Pan Bing.