PHNOM PENH: Following the success of the recent “Krud Kun Khmer: Land of Peace” international friendly Kun Khmer event in Siem Reap’s historic Angkor Archeological Park, the four nations which took part have agreed to organise more events featuring the Cambodian martial art and combat sport.
The recent international bouts saw Cambodian fighters take on opponents from the US, China and Malaysia. The new events will include South-East Asian, Asian and even World Kun Khmer Championship fights, with the aim of expanding the sport’s reach and raising its profile worldwide.
Khov Chhay, president of the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF), hosted Sroeuy Srab, president of the Kun Khmer Boxing Federation in Washington state, the US, Mohd Nooramin Kaw Abdullah, president of the Kun Khmer Boxing Federation in Malaysia, and Mei Jiaxiang, chairman of Emei Lend and representative of China’s delegation, at a shared meal to discuss future plans.
The event took place on the hallowed grounds of Siem Reap province’s Angkor Archaeological Park. Krud Kun Khmer
Chhay, who also serves as acting secretary-general of the International Kun Khmer Boxing Federation, announced that all four nations had agreed to prepare for the World Kun Khmer Championship, which could take place in Preah Sihanouk province at the end of 2025.
“We will invite the three partners as well as many other member countries of the international federation to join," he said. "The idea is to organise a major international event on Cambodian soil. The Angkor event was a historic milestone to promote both Kun Khmer and Cambodian tourism, showing that Cambodia is safe and warmly welcomes people of all nations to come and enjoy themselves.”
The US sent five fighters, all men, while Malaysia sent four, including one woman. The Chinese team consisted of six men and one woman.
The September 13 and 14 matches resulted in wins, losses, and draws — all underscoring the friendship and strong cooperation between Cambodia as host and the sports delegations of the US, China and Malaysia.
“We are preparing more events, such as the South-East Asia Kun Khmer Championship, which may be hosted in Malaysia, and the Asia Kun Khmer Championship, which could take place in China, organised jointly with our Chinese partners,” explained Chhay.
“We are looking at how to organise as many events as possible to expand the presence of Kun Khmer, as well as to bring together the global Kun Khmer family more often. This will help boost training and competition activities and promote Kun Khmer more broadly around the world,” he added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
