Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), has an inspiring message for the nation’s athletes.
Addressing a group of 136 eager sportspersons across 11 sports on August 22, he spoke of the anticipation of three major tournaments – the 2023 Asian Games, the 2025 SEA Games, and the 2029 Asian Youth Games.
He met the athletes, all of whom are ready to embark on an exciting journey to train in China. He mentioned that this was Cambodia’s second instance of sending its athletes for training there.
The collaboration between the Cambodian and Chinese governments provided 90-day training scholarships.
Additionally, for the recently concluded 2023 SEA Games, Cambodia dispatched 161 athletes across 12 sports to China, where they trained extensively from September 2022 to April 2023.
“Our national team is a blend of experience and youthful vigour,” he said.
“The adults are aiming for the 19th Asia Games in Hangzhou and the 2025 SEA Games. Meanwhile, athletes aged 10 and above should be prepared for the 2029 Asian Youth Games, set to be hosted by Cambodia,” he explained.
Chamroeun told the athletes to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the games ahead.
“The key is to enhance both their technical prowess and spirit. We need to fuel their minds, giving them the mental resilience to train with even more determination,” he continued.
There’s significant support behind these athletes.
With the backing of the government, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the NOCC, and notably, the National Sport Federation, there’s a united front ensuring the athletes get top-notch, safe and sustainable training.
“All this to make sure they return from China ready for the trio of tournaments,” he said.
“We have a budding group of young athletes. In the coming years, we’re eyeing more overseas scholarships. We’re keen to prepare our 11 to 14-year-olds early so they’re primed for the 2029 Asian Youth Games.
“Our older teens, the 17-to-18-year-olds, face some entry restrictions. We’re laying out their path now, aiming to repeat our past successes, just as we did with the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games in 2023,” he added.
