The China–Hong Kong Khmer Boxing Federation has been officially established, marking a significant step in promoting and elevating Kun Khmer on the world stage. This comes as the leadership of the International Kun Khmer Federation continues to gather support from more countries to participate in the traditional Cambodian martial art, with the long-term goal of making it eligible for inclusion in the Olympic Games.
The creation of the federation wasy announced during the E-Mei Legend X event in Hong Kong on November 25, with Khov Chhay, acting secretary-general of the international federation, presenting a certificate officially recognizing the new federation to the Hong Kong representatives.
Chhay, who also serves as president of the Khmer Boxing Federation of Cambodia, explained that he he represented the international federation in declaring the establishment of the China–Hong Kong federation, describing it as an important step in strengthening and expanding the promotion and development of the sport in East Asia. Kwan Chung Wai Devis was appointed as first president of the new new federation.
“We believe that under the leadership of Kwan Chung Wai Devis, the federation will grow rapidly, strongly, and with high quality. In the future, Kun Khmer events will be held frequently in Hong Kong. This marks a new milestone for the global promotion and expansion of Kun Khmer,” said Chhay.
Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and acting president of the international federation addressed broader efforts to promote the sport internationally, during a press conference in Sihanoukville on November 23.
He noted that global interest in Kun Khmer has grown year-on-year. He believed that 2025 will be a major year of restructuring and strengthening governance for the federation.
Chamroeun explained that the successful inclusion of Kun Khmer in the 32nd SEA Games in 2023 in Cambodia boosted international support and recognition. As of now, over 60 countries have applied for membership in the International Kun Khmer Federation.
“After successfully introducing Kun Khmer into the 2023 SEA Games, our national martial art gained worldwide recognition. Today, we have over 60 member countries. This is a continuation of the proud legacy left by our ancestors who passed down this precious martial-arts heritage,” he said.
The International Kun Khmer Federation requires at least 75 member countries to push for the inclusion of Kun Khmer in the Olympic Games. Plans to introduce Kun Khmer into the 2031 Asian Youth Games, hosted by Cambodia, represents the second major step after the SEA Games toward achieving this goal.
“We have worked closely with the international sports community year after year. We plan to include Kun Khmer in the 2031 Asian Youth Games, which Cambodia will host. This means we will first move from the Southeast Asian level to the continental level, and then eventually work toward Olympic inclusion,” explained Chanroeun.
“We need the support of at least 75 countries to bring Kun Khmer to the Olympics. We currently have over 60. We have many goals, but to achieve this vision, we need the support — both moral and material — of Cambodians across the country, to preserve and develop Kun Khmer so it becomes even more renowned internationally,” he added.
