PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has announced that delegations from 21 sporting disciplines will travel to the 33rd SEA Games 2025, hosted by Thailand from Dec 3 to 20. However, two national sports federations have boycotted the event, due to ongoing safety concerns.
According to an announcement published on Friday (Nov 21) morning, on the official website of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), the Royal Government has approved the sending of 333 delegates, including coaches and athletes, across 21 sports.
The sports that Cambodia will compete at include: Athletics, swimming, equestrian, Kun Lbokator, gymnastics, judo, taekwondo (WT), triathlon, volleyball, football, wrestling, pencak silat, kickboxing, pétanque, sepak takraw, jet ski, karate, jiu-jitsu, wushu, table tennis and e-sports.
However, two national sports federations — the Cambodian Billiards Federation, headed by Chum Kosal, and the Khmer Boxing Federation, led by Khov Chhay — have publicly declared they will not participate in the Thailand games, citing concerns over security and safety.
Vath Chamroeun, NOCC secretary-general, told The Post this morning that the decision to send 21 sporting teams to the SEA Games was made according to regulations and with the approval of the Royal Government. He added that Thailand, as host country, along with its Olympic Committee, has ensured the safety and security of Cambodian delegates.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Chamroeun also affirmed that Cambodia has thoroughly reviewed the safety situation to ensure that Cambodian athletes can compete without worry. He did not address the specific concerns of the billiards and Kun Khmer federations.
“Participation requires reviewing safety and other concerns, but sports are about following competition rules. So, participating in these Games is not an issue,” he continued. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
