Following its successful hosting duties during the 32nd SEA Games earlier this year, the Cambodian Badminton Federation has been sanctioned to host a Badminton Asia (BA) SEA Regional Junior Championship event.
The event, scheduled to run from October 30 to November 3 at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, was slated to feature U-15 and U-17 athletes from five nations, although one opted out shortly before competition began.
CBF secretary-general Cheam Sophea explained that after the BA witnessed the smooth running and judging of the SEA Games events last May – and the top notch facilities available in the country – it granted Cambodia the right to host the competition.
Athletes and members of regional badminton sporting bodies from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Timor-Leste are attending the event, with Brunei’s sportspersons dropping out. Officials from the Brunei federation will still attend in an official capacity, to examine the way the tournament is run.
“Actually, there are 11 countries in the region, but this event was designed to develop badminton in those nations where it remains weak. As an age-grade competition, this provides encouragement for the less dominant teams to take part,” said Sophea.
“The event was originally limited to these five countries so that they can train new generations of athletes in preparation for the SEA Games and other international events. We are proud of BA for considering these nations, so they can gain valuable experience and strengthen their capacities,” he added.
The CBF has entered 10 sportspersons for the event.
Sophea is hopeful that Cambodia will manage to claim several medals.
“Our 10 athletes are due to compete in 12 events. We hope to win many medals. We also have two U-13s in contention, so this competition is also excellent preparation for hosting the 2029 Asian Youth Games,” he said.
He added that the CBF is training several U-13s ahead of the upcoming youth games. He hoped that a lot of Cambodians would come and watch the junior championship events and encourage the young Cambodian athletes. Tickets are not on sale for the competition, so fans are able to view the event for free.
