The Cambodian government has finally approved the sending of its 333-member delegation, comprising athletes and officials, to participate in the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, which will be held in Thailand next month.
Due to ongoing conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, uncertainty had surrounded whether Cambodia would participate in the 33rd edition of the region’s biennial sporting event, scheduled to take place between December 9–20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla.
However, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) has now issued a statement confirming the attendance of Cambodian delegates, who will compete in 21 sports at the Games.
Cambodia will field athletes in athletics, swimming, equestrian, Kun Lbokator, gymnastics, judo, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, football, wrestling, pencak silat, kickboxing, pétanque, sepak takraw, jet ski, karate, jiu-jitsu, wushu, table tennis and e-sports.
Two national sports federations — the Cambodian Billiards Federation and the Khmer Boxing Federation — have publicly declared they will not participate in the Thailand Games, citing concerns over security and safety.
Vath Chamroeun, the NOCC secretary-general, said the decision to participate aligned with Cambodia’s commitment to upholding sporting spirit and had received endorsement from the government.
“Participation reflects our will, solidarity and friendship in the field of sports and strengthens sports diplomacy with ASEAN countries, including the host nation.
“The Royal Government has given full support and approval for our participation, so we must uphold that spirit,” Chamroeun was quoted as saying by the Phnom Penh Post.
He added that he was not concerned about the safety of Cambodian athletes after receiving assurances from Thai authorities regarding their protection during the competition.
“We have no concerns because the host nation, along with the Thai Olympic Committee, has arranged security measures and strengthened safety for the Cambodian delegation.
“They are also educating their public. As athletes, we follow national and international sports regulations properly,” he said.
This year’s SEA Games will feature 50 official sports, three demonstration disciplines (air sports, flying disc and tug of war) and one “value-added” sport, mixed martial arts, with 574 gold medals up for grabs.
