PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian men’s and women’s para throwball teams have extended their regional dominance, both claiming gold at the 2nd Asia Para Throwball Championship in Malaysia.
The 2026 championship featured teams from eight countries in the men’s competition and six countries in the women’s event. Although the tournament was initially organised using a group-stage format, some adjustments were made after Bhutan withdrew from the competition.
Both the Cambodian teams remained unbeaten throughout early stages of the tournament, held from June 2 to 4.
They then reinforced their dominance by securing gold in the finals.
In the men’s gold-medal match, Cambodia defeated Sri Lanka 3-0, winning by scores of 21-11, 21-14 and 21-05.
The Cambodian women’s team also claimed a straight-sets victory, eliminating hosts Malaysia 3-0, with scores of 21-10, 21-17 and 21-13.
Following the victories, Cambodian athletes and officials celebrated enthusiastically, with chants of “Cambodia! Cambodia!” ringing throughout the venue. The celebrations attracted considerable attention from participating nations, highlighting Cambodia’s continued strength in the sport.
The achievement was especially significant as the Kingdom’s athletes previously claimed double gold at the inaugural Asia Para Throwball Championship in 2025, which was hosted at home.
Yi Veasna, secretary-general of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia and chairman of the World Para Throwball Committee, described the result as a source of national pride.
“This is a new achievement and a proud moment for our nation. Our athletes have won gold medals at the second consecutive Asian Championship, following their victories in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the first championship hosted by Cambodia in March 2025,” he told media in Malaysia on Friday morning. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
