The 3rd National Games and 1st National Para Games officially began this evening under the presidency of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.

Held at five destinations including Phnom Penh capital and the provinces of Kep, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reap, from Nov. 19 to 30, 2022 under the theme “Sports Bring Peace and Development”, the sports event, organised every two years, attracted more than 4,500 athletes of 38 kinds of sports and 7 kinds of para sports from across the country to compete in 405 sports disciplines. 

In his keynote address, Samdech Techo Hun Sen spoke highly of the 3rd National Games and 1st National Para Games, stressing they provide a good opportunity for the national athletes to join the games to draw experience and further develop the capacity toward the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023 in the Kingdom.

As of Nov. 21, he said, only 167 days left towards the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia. 

The Premier also encouraged the athletes, especially the para athletes to do their best to win their disabilities in order to show “disability with high capacity”. 

Samdech Techo Hun Sen took the opportunity to praise the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and relevant institutions for their good collaboration in organising the 3rd National Games and 1st National Para Games.

He also expressed his gratitude to China for providing a grant aid to build this beautiful Morodok Techo National Stadium which is the venue not only for the opening ceremony of the National Games today, but also for the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games next year. 

The National Games were successfully held in 2016 and in 2018, but were postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press