Thong Khon, president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), said more than 1,000 runners from across the globe have already registered for the 7th Ultra-Trail d’Angkor. During a recent press conference, the former tourism minister explained how the success of the January 27-28 long distance running event represented a positive sign of the revival of the Kingdom’s tourism industry. With distances ranging up to 100km, the athletes will be competing against the unique backdrop of ancient temples, as well as diverse landscapes encompassing sprawling rice fields, lush green forests and picturesque villages. Acknowledging the global uncertainties post-pandemic, including…
Author: Chhorn Norn
Cambodian fighters Rithy Socheat and Puth Sambo met similar fates during their January 6 international bouts, losing to Thai opponents taking wins by way of knock out and technical knock-out. The Kingdom’s pride was somewhat restored when fellow Kun Khmer exponent Morn Prum Manh claimed a win over another Thai boxer, in the third international match of the event. In the first bout of the night, held at TV5 Station, Socheat fought as hard as he could against Thai fighter Pich Nakhorn, but was unable to find a way through the Thai’s defences. Eventually, a flurry of knee strikes from…
The table topping Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng Football Club has announced an international partnership with Laos champions Young Elephants FC. The two sides have announced their intention to build a shared future of success, both on and off the pitch. Svay Rieng FC described the partnership as a historic cooperative strategy, adding that the collaboration demonstrated the attention the two club owners are paying to the search for excellence. In a January 5 social media post, the club explained that the partnership will focus on five main points. “First, players will be exchanged. The two clubs understand that such…
The 2023 National Cycling Championships are underway from January 5-8, with this year’s races being held in Kampong Chhnang province for the first time. The Cambodia Cycling Federation (CCF) held a January 2 press conference to share several exciting new changes about the races, which will include several classes of both road cycling and mountain biking. It explained that although for the past three years, the event has been run in Siem Reap province, the decision was made to move the races. Kampong Chhnang has recently constructed many kilometres of new roading infrastructure, and is also home to some of…
The national Vovinam championship is currently under way at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Run by the Cambodian Vovinam Federation (CVF), the competition began on January 2, and will conclude on January 4. The popularity of the Vietnamese martial art has grown in recent years, with Khmer practitioners defeating Vietnamese opponents on several occasions. Competitors from 17 of the Kingdom’s associations and clubs are set to take part in demonstration events, as well as nine weight classes of combat matches, with 65 male and 35 female athletes taking part. Noticeably absent are two-time SEA Games gold medallist Eh Virak…
Despite the closed-door setting in Doha, Qatar, on December 31, the Cambodian national football team, guided by Argentine coach Felix Dalmas, cherished valuable experience, placing emphasis on improvement rather than outcomes. The match ended with Qatar securing a 3-0 victory against Cambodia. Dalmas praised the Qatar national team, describing them as high-quality and world-class, noting their strong structure and cohesive teamwork. This match provided Cambodia with a clear insight into their playing levels after facing such a formidable opponent. “I trust you all noticed that facing a world-class team like Qatar pushed us to step up our game,” he remarked…
New Year’s Eve saw three very close international Kun Khmer bouts excite fans, with the hard fought victories – and one defeat – reminding people of the heartbreak and romance of high quality martial arts events. Veteran fighter Phan Kran stunned fight fans at a TV5 Kun Khmer event on New Year’s Eve, rising from an early knock down eight-count to KO Thai boxer Ba Bou. Bong Hov looked close to an early win over his Thai opponent, but was forced to settle for a win by decision after the Thai fought back in the final rounds. Rin Saroth had…
Dressed all in white, Princess Norodom Amrita, alongside teammates Kong Ratanak and KiriChantola, guided her powerful steed over the jumps at the Cambodian Country Club (CCC). Despite the absence of spectators, the Cambodian show jumping team showcased the close bond between human and animal, during the demonstration event in Phnom Penh on December 19. The display aimed to showcase the trio’s skills, which saw them secure gold in the show jumping competition at the 1st SEA Youth Cup 2023, held in the Thai capital Bangkok on December 9. The golden accomplishment marked the culmination of an intense training period for…
Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC were able to remain level-headed and maintain their position at the top of the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) in a seven-goal thriller over Visakha FC, to start round two of the competition with a heart in mouth victory. Angkor Tiger FC also won a meaningful three points, but the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces club and Boeung Ket FC were unable to score at all, in a nil-all draw which disappointed fans. Svay Rieng’s 4-3 win over Visakha, played at the Svay Rieng Provincial Stadium on December 23, did not live up to the expectations…
Well-known Cambodian Kun Khmer exponent Prom Samnang drew plaudits for his sportsmanship during his December 23 victory over American fighter Harry Lopez. During the Kun Khmer International Fight Promotions (KKIF) event, held in Pursat province’s Krakor district, Samnang landed one of his vicious trademark elbows to the American’s head, opening a huge cut and causing his opponent to begin bleeding profusely. After landing the right elbow to the left of Lopez’s head, Samnang saw the damage he had done. He immediately knelt before his opponent, in a sign of respect. Samnang, whose reputation suffered after a recent gloveless defeat at…