The sacred stones of the temples are evidence that Cambodia was the origin of modern kickboxing. - PPP/ANN
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia, as host, has teamed up with sporting delegations from the US, China and Malaysia to stage the “Krud Kun Khmer: Land of Peace” international friendly Kun Khmer event, in Siem Reap’s historic Angkor Archeological Park.
This celebration of the Kingdom’s traditional martial art is being held to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, while also promoting Kun Khmer and Cambodian tourism to the world.
The US has sent five fighters, all men, to the tournament, while Malaysia has sent four, including one woman. The nine guests faced Cambodian opponents from Saturday night, September 13.
On Sept 14, seven Chinese boxers, one of them a woman, will take on seven of the Kingdom’s top fighters.
Representatives from the four nations toured the Angkor Temples on Friday, September 12, where they admired the ancient images of Kun Khmer that are inscribed on the bas-reliefs of many of the temples. They held a same-day press conference in front of Angkor Wat.
Khov Chhay, president of the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF), explained the significance of holding the event, themed “Cambodia is Safe and Friendly” on the sacred ground of Angkor—the birthplace of the Kingdom’s ancient Khmer martial arts during the Angkorian Empire.
“The reliefs on our temples testify to the origin of ancient Khmer martial arts, used by the kings of the Angkor Empire to defend the land against invading enemies. Today we have developed this art into a sport that is thriving and becoming famous worldwide,” he told the media.
He also highlighted that the event is a gesture of gratitude to the US, Malaysia and China for initiating and supporting the ceasefire agreement along the Cambodia–Thailand border. At the same time, the event serves as a platform to promote Cambodia’s tourism on the global stage.
“This remarkable event is to express our deep gratitude to the three countries who worked hard for an immediate ceasefire, restoring peace once again for Cambodian citizens and soldiers at the border. Through this event, we want to show the world that Cambodia remains a safe and welcoming tourist destination for all nations who come to see Angkor Wat and our other temples,” he said.
Mohd Nooramin Kaw Abdullah, president of the Kun Khmer Boxing Federation in Malaysia, noted that as Asean's rotating chair in 2025, Malaysia wishes to see a permanent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand and called for an end to “negative portrayals” of Cambodia, which urgently needs peace.
“Cambodia truly wants peace and is asking for a permanent ceasefire. I hope and believe Cambodia will succeed, with support from the US and China. That’s why I am grateful for this boxing event — it strengthens friendship and offers a great chance to promote Kun Khmer to the world,” he explained.
Sroeuy Srab, president of the Kun Khmer Boxing Federation in Washington state, the US, expressed his happiness at leading the American delegation to Cambodia — his homeland.
He believed that both Cambodian leaders and ordinary Cambodians truly desire peace, not war.
“Cambodia is a peace-loving nation; Khmers love Khmers, and Khmers welcome everyone who comes here. Through this event, families and nations can come together to build good relations and strengthen the foundation to make Kun Khmer even better known globally. I am confident Kun Khmer will continue to flourish — we cannot stop here,” he said.
Mei Jiaxiang, chairman of Emei Lend and representative of China’s delegation, expressed pride in cooperating with Cambodia, alongside the US and Malaysia, to stage this event on the sacred soil of Angkor. He noted that both Kun Khmer and Chinese martial arts have long histories, and hoped the event will help to attract tourists to Cambodia.
“We are delighted to cooperate with Kun Khmer in organising joint events both in Cambodia and in China. I believe this cooperation will foster exchange in sports, culture, and tourism — especially as 2025 is the Cambodia–China Tourism Year,” he said.
“Through organising sporting events, we can promote tourism and attract more Chinese tourists to Cambodia. We will also work with Cambodia to promote Kun Khmer further on the international stage, especially in China, so that more Chinese people participate, helping Kun Khmer gain worldwide recognition,” he added. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
