President of the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF) Khov Chhay has reiterated that making Kun Khmer internationally recognised requires all parties to join together as one. Only by doing so can this goal be achieved. Without unity, he said, “we will never be able to defeat others”.
Even though Kun Khmer has progressed significantly in recent years, with increasing support from the private sector and more domestic and international events being organised — and with the possibility of hosting Kun Khmer competitions in many other countries — Chhay still sees ongoing disagreements, criticisms and sometimes harsh arguments.
Chhay did not blame or accuse any particular individual or group. He stressed that everyone makes mistakes, but the important thing is to help correct each other, improve together and jointly develop Kun Khmer.
“Kun Khmer is a part of our national identity. It does not belong to any single person — it belongs to all Cambodians. So if we don’t support ourselves, who will we support?” he said.
“Supporting Kun Khmer is like supporting our nation. We will all share the pride. We must all recognise that we are developing — everyone still makes mistakes! Referees make mistakes, fighters make mistakes, the federation makes mistakes and the public makes mistakes too. So let’s all improve together because this is our nation.
“We must join hands. If someone makes a mistake, we correct each other and develop together so that we can all move forward, carrying the Cambodian flag onto international stages. When Kun Khmer reaches the Olympic stage, it will not just be Kun Khmer and the Cambodian flag that arrive there — all Cambodian people will share national pride. So why don’t we help improve and develop each other? Why destroy one another with insults and negativity? This is ours — our family — so we must move forward together,” he contined.
He shared his comments after leading a review meeting on the match between A Amarinfuthong and English fighter Mo Rbdurahman on December 1. Upon review, Amarinfuthong remained the winner, retaining his belt, despite criticism that his performance was overly defensive and he appeared fearful of his opponent.
Chhay also stated that he did not support the way Amarinfuthong fought in the November 28 match. He said fighters must be willing to engage, show courage and confront their opponents, while also using strategy and tactics — not simply attacking recklessly until they take themselves out. He urged supporters to understand this issue so that everyone can identify what is right and unite strongly in pushing Kun Khmer forward.
“We must acknowledge our shortcomings and strive for improvement. We do not want to be lacking, poor, weak or looked down on. To be strong and skilful, we must help one another. All parties — media, fighters, coaches, club managers, supporters, private sponsors and the government — must join hands to move forward. Only then can we win, because others are already far ahead of us,” he said.
“We must move together with strength and speed to catch up. This requires unity as one bundle. If we go separately — one stick, ten sticks — they will all break. One hundred sticks — they will all break. But if we go together as one bundle, I believe we will one day win. But if we refuse to unite, there will never come a day when we can win,” he added.
