VdL Inaugurates New Indoor Throwing Hall at Boy Konen Sports Complex

On Wednesday 26 November 2025, the City of Luxembourg (VdL) inaugurated a new indoor throwing hall, part of the Boy Konen sports complex in Luxembourg-Cessange, designed to support training in javelin, shot put, discus and hammer throw.

The inauguration took place in the presence of the College of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Luxembourg, including First Alderman Maurice Bauer and Sports Alderman Simone Beissel, as well as representatives of CSL Athletics Luxembourg and several current and former athletes.According to the City of Luxembourg, the construction project represented a budget of €1,300,249.70 and benefited from a subsidy of €408,900 from the Ministry of Sports.

“This facility covers all the key throwing disciplines - shot put, discus, hammer and javelin. It enables athletes to train properly in each of these events, something that is not always possible outdoors, especially in bad weather. Even when conditions are poor, athletes need a space where they can continue their training safely and effectively. This hall provides exactly that, which is extremely important,” stated Simone Beissel.

The facility measures 20 by 15 metres with a maximum height of seven metres and is equipped with a fully enclosed throwing cage. Two large exterior-facing doors allow long-distance throws of up to 100 metres. The hall is also fitted with an infrared radiant heating system at the rear, ensuring adequate warmth for athletes during preparation and waiting periods.

In an interview with Chronicle.lu, CSL President Xavier Thillen noted that the new facility responds to long-standing needs within the athletics community: “We have strong-performing athletes in the throwing disciplines, and as winters in Luxembourg are long, dark, cold and wet, proper indoor training conditions are essential.”

He added that discussions with the City of Luxembourg began several years ago and that the project received mayoral approval in 2021. Xavier Thillen expressed enthusiasm about the hall’s opening and highlighted the progress of leading athletes such as Sofia Snäll, noting: “She competed at the European Championships this year and will now receive a scholarship from an American college. We are really looking forward to seeing her represent CSL, maybe even at the next Olympics.”

Seventeen-year-old Sofia Snäll, holder of Luxembourg’s national record in hammer throw, was also present at the inauguration and performed a demonstration throw for the roughly 40 people in attendance. She told Chronicle.lu that her training had previously taken place entirely outdoors, noting: “In winter it was dark and cold, and we sometimes had to cancel practice. Now we don’t have to do that anymore, which is great.”

Sofia Snäll added that the new facility would help motivate younger and emerging athletes, as it offers stable conditions and makes it easier to attract new talent. Looking ahead to next season, she emphasised her competitive ambitions for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon (United States): “I already threw above the qualifying mark, but I need to achieve it once more. My main goal for next season is to perform well when I’m there.”