The Cambodian ITF Taekwondo-Do team surpassed all expectations as they hosted the 2nd Southeast Asian Taekwondo-Do ITF Championship 2025, staged at the National Olympic Stadium Sports Complex from June 28 to 30.
The team secured a massive haul of 90 medals, easily dominating the medal table.
The local athletes secured 48 gold, 36 silver and 6 bronze.
Malaysia placed second behind Cambodia, with 11 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze, with Vietnam in third, with 2 gold, 5 silver, and 25 bronze.
They were followed by the Philippines in fourth place, with 2 gold, 1 silver and 13 bronze, Singapore with 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze, and Indonesia, with 1 gold and 1 silver.
Thailand withdrew from this year’s tournament.
Phann Vanrath, first vice-president of the Cambodia ITF Taekwondo-Do Federation and chairman of the Championship Organising Committee, addressed a press conference the day after the close of competition.
“Today is a proud day for Cambodia. As the host nation, we ended the competition with tremendous success — especially by winning a total of 90 medals to top the rankings,” he said.
He attributed Cambodia’s dominant performance to the athletes’ rigorous training and frequent participation in national and international competitions. He noted that the team have been consistent medallists at Southeast Asian, Asian, and world-level tournaments, and Vanrath believed that this experience has significantly strengthened their technical skills.
Keo Remy, president of the federation, affirmed that Cambodia’s success extended beyond medal wins. He also noted that the well-organised nature of the event helped generate international interest in Cambodia.
At the event’s closing ceremony on Monday, he stated:
“I thank all the representatives from the five other nations who sent their athletes to compete in Cambodia, and all other involved parties who contributed to making this competition such a great success. We have even received congratulations from Grand Masters in other countries who sent me messages saying they want to visit Cambodia and Phnom Penh. That is a clear boost to our country’s tourism promotion,” he said, as he addressed the tournament closing ceremony.
“This success came from the collective effort of everyone involved. And for the first time, we included a competition category for children over 10 years old. Through international tournaments like this, they gain invaluable experience — and when they grow up, they’ll become true champions of Cambodia’s ITF Taekwon-Do. That’s our vision,” he added.
Ri Yong Son, president of the International Taekwondo-Do Federation (ITF), praised Cambodia’s organisation of the event.
“I am very happy and proud to see that the 2nd Southeast Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championship was conducted so successfully and smoothly,” he said.
Grand Master Ri Yong Son expressed his appreciation to the Cambodian federation for hosting the 2025 championship in a seamless, professional manner. He said the event showcased intense, fair competition and strong sportsmanship from nearly 200 athletes from six countries.
“I’m truly proud of the efforts and talent shown by all the athletes, and of their determination in the ring. I commend the outstanding leadership of His Excellency Keo Remy and the organising committee, who made the event run so smoothly,” he said.
