PHNOM PENH: The leaders of the Cambodian Boxing Federation (CBF), the International Kun Khmer Federation and their international partners have hailed the inaugural Kombat Kun Khmer & Taekwondo Grand Prix, held for the first time in Cambodia, as an outstanding beginning to a new chapter in the history of Kun Khmer (Khmer martial arts).
Khov Chhay, CBF president and secretary-general of the International Kun Khmer Federation, announced that the event was a remarkable success and could be regarded as “one of the finest beginnings in the history of joint Kun Khmer and Taekwondo events held inside an MMA cage”.
While acknowledging that the inaugural event still had room for improvement, Khov Chhay stressed that the organisers would continue refining and developing future editions. He said the success of the tournament clearly demonstrated Cambodia’s capability and potential to stage high-quality, professional international combat sports events.
“What makes us especially proud is that our Kun Khmer athletes displayed outstanding technique, courage, discipline and fighting spirit inside the cage at the Old Stadium, allowing both domestic and international audiences to witness the excellence of Cambodia’s ancient martial art,” he said.
The June 27 event featured eight bouts. Cambodia fielded four male fighters and two female athletes, competing in both Kun Khmer and Taekwondo against opponents from eight different countries.
Cambodia finished with an impressive record of five victories and one defeat. The only Cambodian defeat came when Rithy Vanich lost on points to Ingrid Soto. The remaining five Cambodian competitors were victorious, with four Kun Khmer fighters winning by knockout, while Nern Sreyna secured a points victory in the Taekwondo bout.
Sreyna’s victory over Argentine fighter Natacha Castro was widely regarded as the biggest surprise of the night. Castro entered the contest as an accomplished international Taekwondo competitor with numerous victories on the world stage, but was outscored by the Cambodian Kun Khmer athlete, whose powerful kicking proved decisive throughout the bout.
“This successful beginning is an encouraging sign and provides a solid foundation for future Kombat Kun Khmer events, both in Cambodia and internationally, where growing attention is being paid to the continued development of Kun Khmer,” said Chhay.
Meanwhile, Rick Shin, president of Kombat Global, also described the event as a historic milestone in the partnership between Kombat and Kun Khmer.
“History has been made in Phnom Penh. Kombat Kun Khmer has officially made its world debut,” he said.
Chhay thanked the athletes, coaches, technical officials, partners, sponsors, relevant institutions and spectators whose support helped make the historic event a success.
“This is not the end,” he said, adding “It is the beginning of a new journey to expand Kun Khmer’s global reach and achieve broader international recognition”. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
