Sports

Kampot province is set to host the National Cycling Championships 2024 from January 25 to 26, according to Nou Chamroeun, Secretary General of the Cambodian Cycling Federation.

The event will feature three disciplines: road biking, mountain biking, and a men’s criterium open, attracting an estimated 200 to 300 racers from 30 to 40 clubs, as well as approximately 500 technical team members.

The competition kicks off on January 25 with a road biking event departing from Kampot Provincial Hall and culminating in a challenging ascent up Bokor Mountain. Later that afternoon, the mountain biking race will take place at the foot of Sar Mountain in Teuk Chhou district.

On January 26, the Criterium Open for men aged 16 and older will begin from Kampot Provincial Hall. Racers will circle designated locations in Kampot for 30 laps, covering a total distance of 30 kilometers.

This exciting championship promises to bring together cycling enthusiasts from across the country, showcasing Kampot’s scenic beauty and providing a platform for competitive cycling talent.

Source: AKP, Khmer Times

Anwa Nasredynov, Cambodia’s international boxing sensation, has secured a spot in the semi-finals at the Asian Boxing Championship 2024, currently being held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Buy Sophoan, Secretary General of the Cambodia Boxing Federation, shared the exciting news, revealing that Anwa delivered a stunning performance on Dec. 6, knocking out his opponent from Turkmenistan in the first round. This victory marks a significant milestone for both the athlete and the federation.

In the semi-finals, Anwa is set to face Wang Jinxiang from China on Dec. 8, promising an intense and thrilling bout as he aims to advance further in the championship.

This achievement adds to Cambodia’s growing reputation in international boxing. Earlier this year, Cambodian boxers earned silver and bronze medals at the SEA Games 2023 hosted in Cambodia. Additionally, the country’s athletes brought home one silver and one bronze from the U22 Asian International Boxing Federation Championship in Thailand.

With Anwa’s impressive track record and determination, Cambodian boxing continues to shine on the international stage.

Source: AKP, Khmer Times

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The Cambodian Kun Khmer team achieved a mix of triumphs and memorable moments at the first-ever International Cambodian Kun Khmer Championship, held in Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. The historic event, which took place on Sunday night, showcased the rich martial traditions of Cambodia and Greece as fighters from both nations faced off in an exciting display of skill and tenacity.

Cambodian fighters secured significant victories, with four athletes—Thun Rithy, Sorn Rakhim, Kim Vassna, and Thun Sihong—claiming championship belts in their respective weight categories. However, the event also drew attention to a bold act of sportsmanship by Cambodian gold medalist Lorn Panha, who chose to forgo his belt after his opponent was unable to compete.

Victories for Cambodia

Young fighter Thun Sihong delivered an electrifying performance in the 57kg category, defeating Greece’s Tahir Dervishi by knockout in the first round. Sihong’s swift and powerful strikes left no room for recovery, with the referee counting out Dervishi after a series of blows.

In the 72kg class, Kim Vassna demonstrated dominance with a second-round knockout against Greece’s Vasilis Paraskevopoulos. Sorn Rakhim mirrored this success in the 63.5kg division, where he defeated Greece’s Ention Mouchai with another knockout in the second round.

Thun Rithy faced a more challenging contest in the 75kg category but emerged victorious by points after a hard-fought match against Greece’s Panagiotis Kousis.

Lorn Panha’s Stand for Sportsmanship

In a notable moment of the championship, Lorn Panha, a SEA Games 2023 gold medalist, declined to accept the 66kg belt after his Greek opponent, Mario Gousho, was unable to compete due to health issues.

“The belt is beautiful, and I want it, but if we didn’t compete, what’s the point? It has no value because I came here to fight and showcase Cambodian Kun Khmer, but I didn’t get to fight,” Panha remarked.

Following his decision, the 66kg belt was contested in a spirited match between Cambodia’s Kong Sambo and Greece’s Petro Sacho. Sacho triumphed on points, securing the only Greek victory of the night, making Panha’s refusal even more impactful.

Honorary Matches and Mixed Results

In a match for an honorary title, Cambodian veteran Long Sovandoeun defeated Greece’s Matin Latifi via knee strikes, forcing Latifi to submit in the second round. However, Greek fighter Fani Peloumpi secured a points victory over Cambodia’s Toun Sreypenh, marking a rare setback for the Cambodian team.

A Celebration of Martial Traditions

The championship marked a unique encounter between two ancient civilizations with deep martial traditions. Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters demonstrated their prowess and brought global attention to their sport, further solidifying Cambodia’s status as a powerhouse in martial arts.

The event highlighted the strength, honor, and sportsmanship of Cambodian fighters while providing a platform to promote Kun Khmer on the international stage.

Reference: Phnom Penh Post

The 2024 Olympics in Paris kicked off in spectacular style, with thousands of athletes sailing along the River Seine amidst lively performances on bridges, banks, and rooftops. For the first time ever, the opening ceremony of the “greatest show on earth” was hosted on a waterway, offering a unique and ambitious spectacle that captured the world’s imagination.

The near four-hour event culminated in a breathtaking moment when French judo legend Teddy Riner and renowned sprinter Marie-José Pérec lit a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon, which ascended high above the Parisian skyline. The ceremony began with a stunning display of red, white, and blue fireworks that raised the Tricolore above Austerlitz Bridge. Following this, 6,800 athletes from 205 delegations traveled on 85 boats and barges, passing some of the French capital’s most iconic landmarks.

Throughout the ceremony, spectators were treated to surprise performances, including a captivating cabaret number by American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga and a heartfelt return by Canadian icon Celine Dion. Despite major disruptions earlier in the day due to arson attacks on the French train network and heavy rain in the evening, the event proceeded with unmatched enthusiasm. Artistic director Thomas Jolly’s original plan to use the Parisian sun to “make the water sparkle” was thwarted by the rain, but athletes donned rain ponchos and umbrellas, adding to the charm of the lively journey through French history, art, and sport, brought to life by 2,000 musicians, dancers, and other artists.

The last two boats to parade featured the United States, as the next hosts for Los Angeles 2028, and France, with the largest number of athletes on board. Other barges carried several delegations together, fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie. Great Britain’s flag bearers, rower Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley, proudly led their team in Paris, which is hosting the Summer Games for the third time and the first time in 100 years.

In opening the 33rd Summer Olympics, which take place against a challenging international and domestic political backdrop, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach emphasized the unifying power of the event, telling athletes they were now “part of an event that unites the world in peace.”

Among the 10,500 athletes competing across 32 sports at the Games, Cambodia proudly presents three exceptional athletes: 17-year-old Cambodian-French swimmer Antoine le Lapparent, 23-year-old Cambodian-American swimmer Sakbun Apsara Katarina, and 31-year-old sprinter Bunthan Chhun, who clinched a gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games. Their participation in the Paris Olympics symbolizes Cambodia’s growing presence on the global sports stage and brings immense pride to their homeland.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics unfold, the world watches in awe, inspired by the athletes’ dedication, the beauty of the opening ceremony, and the timeless message of peace and unity that the Games represent.

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is set to host an illustrious cultural event symbolizing the unity and collective heritage of Cambodia and China. The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Henan Provincial People’s Government and the provincial administration of Siem Reap, announces the organization of a momentous cultural tourism exhibition. The highlight of this event, termed “When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor,” is scheduled for April 24, 2024, within the scenic expanse of the Northern Part of Bayon Temple.

This cultural rendezvous is a pivotal part of the “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024,” a year-long initiative aiming to strengthen the mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the people of both provinces. Through this collaborative initiative, organizers hope to illuminate the rich cultural legacies of Siem Reap and Henan and stimulate tourism and economic investment between the regions.

At the core of the exhibition are the mesmerizing joint performances by practitioners of Shaolin, the ancient Chinese martial art form, harmonious with the Cambodian martial art of Bokator. Both martial arts possess deep historical roots and are highly regarded for their cultural significances in their respective nations. The event will serve as a cultural confluence where the profound philosophies and physical artistry of Shaolin and Bokator are featured side by side in a historic setting.

A recent press briefing revealed the organizers’ anticipation of over 500 attendees for this cultural phenomenon. The guest list is expected to include a host of dignitaries, such as senior officials from both Cambodian and Chinese governments, representation from tourism associations, media personalities, and members of relevant organizations. Additionally, martial arts enthusiasts and performers from both the Shaolin and Bokator disciplines are to be the centerpiece performers of the exhibition.

The Ministry invites tourism associations, private sector entities, pertinent institutions, media personnel both national and international, as well as the general public to participate and extend their support. The Ministry also encourages the widespread promotion of the event to draw more visitors and investors from China to Cambodia. This initiative will contribute significantly to the success of “Visit Siem Reap 2024” campaign as well as the broader “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024.”

This collaborative event is more than a spectacle of cultural heritage; it is also a strategic step towards enhancing the mutual growth and prosperity of both regions through cultural understanding and tourism. The unified display of Shaolin and Bokator not only promises a thrilling experience for the spectators but also serves to plant the seeds of a long-standing cooperative relationship between Cambodia and China.

Source: Khmer Times

The US Embassy in Phnom Penh recently announced the arrival of former US Women’s National Soccer Team players, Joanna Lohman and Kacey White, in Cambodia from March 4th to 8th. Their visit is part of the US Department of State’s Sports Envoy program, aimed at promoting soccer among Cambodian youth, with a special emphasis on empowering young women through sports.

During their stay, Lohman and White will engage with young athletes across Cambodia, sharing their expertise and experiences to inspire and motivate them. The program’s agenda includes fostering essential life skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and building self-esteem, all through the lens of soccer.

The sports clinics and interactive sessions led by the envoys will span multiple locations, including Kampong Chhnang, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. In Kampong Chhnang, they will collaborate with the Lotus Sports Club to conduct a sports clinic. Their journey will continue in Siem Reap, where they will partner with Kids Play International to coach and interact with local children, using soccer as a tool for learning and growth.

A highlight of their visit will be a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day, where Lohman and White will engage in discussions with Cambodian students about the role of women in sports. They will share their personal journeys and insights from their time as professional athletes, aiming to inspire the next generation of female athletes in Cambodia.

The Sports Envoy program is a cornerstone of the US Department of State’s sports diplomacy efforts, which leverages the universal appeal of sports to promote mutual understanding and foster connections between the United States and other nations. Through this initiative, athletes and coaches are enlisted to lead sports clinics and interact with youths worldwide, encouraging leadership, empowerment, and social harmony.

Since its inception, the program has seen over 300 Sports Envoys from 24 different sports disciplines travel under the auspices of the United States to deliver impactful and engaging sports-related activities. This visit by Lohman and White underscores the ongoing commitment of the US to use sports as a platform for positive change and international collaboration.

Source: Khmer Times

Cambodia is set to witness a thrilling new addition to its sports landscape with The Better Cambodia and Sea Planes Asia bringing the exhilarating sports of Microlite and Paramotors to the country. With the aim of promoting these exciting activities, this initiative has received strong support from high-ranking officials and prominent figures within the country.

In a recent meeting held between the Captain Yauheni “Eugene” Zakharankau of Sea Planes Asia, H.E Samheng Boros, Minister attached to the Prime Minister and Honorary President of The Better Cambodia, along with Surya Narayan, CEO and Founder of The Better Cambodia and Arjen Luxwolda of KamWorks, plans were set in motion to create clubs and a federation dedicated to these exhilarating aerial activities.

Microlights and paramotors are types of ultralight aircraft that offer a unique and thrilling flying experience. These aircraft are powered by small engines and propellers, allowing them to fly at low speeds and altitudes. The flexible wings, which can be easily folded and carried, distinguish them from other traditional aircraft. Microlights have fixed or rigid wings, while paramotors have paragliders that are inflated by the air, offering a more versatile flying experience.

The FAI Microlight and Paramotor Commission (CIMA) organizes world records and international events for these sports, encompassing a range of exciting tasks such as accuracy landing, slalom, soccer, and swoop pond. With the introduction of these sports, Cambodia offers adventure enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the skies in a fun and exhilarating manner.

The plans do not stop there. Cambodia aims to host a grand event in 2024, inviting flyers from ASEAN countries to partake in the festivities. This will not only serve as a celebration of Cambodia’s vibrant culture but also highlight its position as one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide. The event promises to be a spectacle, serving as a testament to the nation’s commitment to adventure and innovation.

Under the inspiring leadership of H.E Samheng Boros and the expertise of Capt. Yauheni “Eugene” Zakharankau, the clubs are poised for growth in Cambodia. With a focus on memberships and organizing captivating events, they aim to ignite a passion for these thrilling sports among local enthusiasts. It is a chance for Cambodians to embrace the freedom of the skies and explore the world from a whole new perspective.

As Cambodia soars to new heights, Microlite and Paramotors sports promise a future filled with unforgettable experiences. The combination of adrenaline-pumping activities and the picturesque landscapes of Cambodia is a match made in heaven. Get ready to witness the beauty of this nation from above and embark on an adventure that will leave you breathless. The sky is calling, and Cambodia is ready to answer.