Thai representatives receive the SEA Games flag from host Cambodia at the closing ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games in 2023. - CAMCOC via PPP/ANN
PHNOM PENH: Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), has affirmed that the current border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand will not affect the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to be held in Bangkok this December. He assured the public that the Kingdom’s athletes are continuing their preparations as planned.
He said the NOCC participated in last month’s South-East Asian Sports Council meeting regarding the SEA Games from December 9–22 in Bangkok, and that nothing had changed. The meeting focused solely on the friendly and cooperative spirit of sportsmanship.
“Sports are not linked to political issues or other matters that would affect the sporting movement. Thailand’s Olympic Committee, which is organising the 2025 SEA Games, affirmed at the council meeting that Cambodia, like all other regional countries, will continue to be warmly welcomed and is expected to participate as usual,” he added.
Chamroeun shared that Thai officials praised Cambodia’s successful hosting of the 32nd SEA Games in 2023. Currently, Cambodian athletes are actively training in their respective disciplines to prepare for the 2025 SEA Games.
“As for the SEA Games in December 2025 in Thailand, we see no change to our plans. Our athletes are still preparing normally for official participation. We hope the border situation improves, but either way, we are proceeding with regular preparations,” he said.
When asked whether escalating political tensions between Cambodia and Thailand could eventually disrupt the SEA Games, Vath responded: “Generally speaking, in the Olympic movement, even in times of crisis, conflict or war, athletes are not excluded from participating.”
“We’ve seen athletes from war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan still allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. That’s the Olympic spirit — it transcends war or peace,” he said.
“Participation is important because it fosters trust, mutual understanding and conveys the mental peace of athletes. So even if problems arise, we continue our training and plan to compete as usual,” he continued.
“Sports are not burdened by anything beyond skill," he added. "Competition is about showcasing ability, building friendship and solidarity. That’s the spirit of the Olympic movement. The Olympic Charter clearly states that sport must remain free from political influence, racism, discrimination or division. Sport requires peace, happiness and unity for the well-being of all humanity — that’s the ultimate goal.” - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
