Fighters from 37 countries around the world will gather in Preah Sihanouk province to compete in the Kun Khmer World Championship 2025, taking place from December 17–20. The event will feature world-title Kun Khmer professional belt matches, pitting eight of Cambodia’s top fighters against international opponents.
According to Khov Chhay, acting secretary-general of the International Kun Khmer Federation, 23 countries have already submitted their fighter lists, while the remaining 14 are preparing to send theirs.
He described the upcoming competition during a press conference in Preah Sihanouk on Sunday, November 23.
“The 2025 Kun Khmer World Championship is another remarkable historic milestone for Cambodia. The event is co-organised by the International Kun Khmer Federation and the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF). Both federations have united in order to promote Kun Khmer with great momentum, pushing it toward international excellence at a faster pace,” said Chhay, who also serves as KBF president.
He added that the 6th Kun Khmer World Championship will include amateur competitions, youth and adult divisions, and professional-level title fights for world championship belts across various weight categories.
“Our eight top fighters will compete at the professional level for world title belts against fighters from various countries who are well-known in combat sports. There are eight belts in total — one for each matchup. We encourage the public to come watch and support our Cambodian fighters,” he said.
Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), expressed enthusiasm about the nearly 100 per cent increase in countries participating this year.
He noted that this success follows Cambodia’s introduction of Kun Khmer as an official sport at the 32nd SEA Games in 2023, which boosted global interest. Since then, around 50 countries have applied to join the International Kun Khmer Federation, bringing total membership to over 60 countries.
Cambodia also plans to include Kun Khmer in the Asian Youth Games, which it will host in 2031, marking a long-term effort to elevate Kun Khmer from the ASEAN level to continental and, eventually, Olympic-level recognition.
“Last year, only 18 countries participated, but this year we have 37 — an increase of more than double. Interest in Kun Khmer grows year by year. This year, we have also strengthened the governance structure of our International Kun Khmer Federation,” explained Chamroeun.
“With strong internal organisation, we can successfully promote Kun Khmer externally. This December, we will also hold a major congress where all member countries will join to help structure Kun Khmer globally,” he added.
Samuth Sothearith, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province, welcomed the collaboration with the International Kun Khmer Federation and other partners to ensure a successful 6th Kun Khmer World Championship.
“Kun Khmer is a valuable part of the cultural heritage of Cambodia that our youth must continue to preserve and promote across generations. As the next generation, we must work hard to expand and advance Kun Khmer so it continues to grow in popularity,” he noted.
