Cambodia
Ta Prohm temple
I am thrilled that the Southeast Asian Games will take place in the country I call home—my beloved Cambodia. From the 5th to the 17th of May, the region’s finest athletes will compete in some of the country’s most stunning locations.
Most events will be held in the capital, Phnom Penh, but there are five host venues in total:
One of the most spectacular venues is the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, a symbol of Cambodia’s rich history and culture.
Historic success.
The boats
As the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games approach, officials and citizens alike are buzzing with excitement. Cambodia has waited 64 years to host this biennial multi-sport extravaganza, and hopes are high for a historic success.
Nearly 10,000 foreign athletes will compete, with even more arriving as supporters and fans. This is a monumental moment for Cambodia, and the nation is ready to shine.
Cambodia 2023
A Landmark Event
Cambodia has approved 40 sports for the 2023 SEA Games, matching the number hosted by Vietnam in the previous Games. This is a significant achievement, especially compared to Brunei, Vietnam, and Laos, which hosted 21, 32, and 29 sports respectively during their first hosting stints.
Prime Minister Hun Sen emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to success: “Cambodia has waited for 64 years to host the SEA Games 2023, and we are committed to ensuring that our hosting of this regional multi-sport event will be successful.”
The 40 approved sports include:
- Athletics
- Aquatics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Billiards
- Cycling
- Canoe and Rowing
- Chess
- Dance Sports
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Judo
- Karate
- Muay
- Petanque
- Sailing
- Sepak Takraw
- Soft Tennis
- Tennis
- Table Tennis
- Taekwondo
- Triathlon
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Weightlifting
- Wushu
- Arnis
- Bodybuilding
- E-sports
- Floorball
- Jiujitsu
- Jetski
- Kickboxing
- Kun Bokator
- Vovinam
- Martial Arts Korea
Participating Countries
The Southeast Asian Games Federation includes:
- Brunei
- Cambodia (Host)
- East Timor
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
The Torch Relay
On Tuesday, 21st March, King Norodom Sihamoni lit the 2023 SEA Games torch at the magnificent Angkor Wat. This marked the start of the torch relay, which will tour the 10 participating Southeast Asian nations.
The torch’s design reflects Cambodia’s national flower, the Rumduol (Khmer: រំដួល), symbolising unity and peace. Standing at 75 cm and weighing just over one kilogram, the gold-plated torch represents Cambodia’s rise to prominence.
Development and preparation
Cambodia’s preparations have been meticulous. Morodok Techo National Sports Complex, a 60,000-seat stadium built with Chinese funding, will host many events. The complex includes an Olympic swimming pool, football pitch, running track, tennis courts, and athlete dormitories.
In Kampot, traditional boat races will take place from the 13th to the 16th of May. These races, deeply rooted in Cambodian culture, are a highlight of the Games.
Angkor Wat
A Star Venue
Angkor Wat will host the marathon, 20km walk, and road cycling race. The Kulen Mountains near Siem Reap will provide the backdrop for mountain biking events.
Free Tickets and Generous Hospitality
In a generous move, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that all tickets for the SEA Games will be free for both Cambodians and foreigners. Additionally, international broadcasters will not be charged for live television rights, and food and accommodation for sport delegations will be fully covered.
Thailand’s Eco-Friendly Kit
Thailand’s athletes will wear jerseys made from recycled plastic bottles, highlighting environmental awareness. This initiative aligns with the spirit of the Games and promotes sustainability.
Takeaway
If you’d like to learn more about Cambodia’s rich history and culture, here are some recommended books:
The first book is by a Cambodian author. Chenda Keo. He discovered that human trafficking was a serious social problem that needed to be urgently and effectively addressed. He began his work by interviewing 17 trafficked children. Surprisingly he found that none of these children considered themselves trafficking victims.
The second book was written by my lovely friend Kate. Who sadly recently passed, due to an illness.
- A book about human trafficking: Human Trafficking in Cambodia by Chenda Keo
- A book about Cambodia: Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
- A book about the history of Cambodia: A History of Cambodia by David Chandler
- A book from a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist: Cambodia’s Curse: The Modern History of a Troubled Land by Joel Brinkley
- A book about a younger trained as a soldier for the Khmer Rouge: First They Killed My Father
- A book about being in S-21, the prison during the Khmer Rouge: A Cambodian Prison Portrait by Vann Nath
- A book about the leader of the Khmer Rouge: Pol Pot: Anatomy of a Nightmare by Philip Short
- A book about a survivor of the Cambodian holocaust: Survival in the Killing Fields Haing Ngor
- A book about surviving under the Khmer Rouge: When Broken Glass Floats by Chanrithy Him
