The Kingdom of Cambodia is holding the historic and solemn Opening Ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023, at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh this evening after awaiting 64 years.
The auspicious celebration will be presided over by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and his spouse Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen, with visiting H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodian high-ranking officials, distinguished national and international guests, civil servants and the general public in attendance.
The glorious ceremony is held after the Kingdom has been preparing herself for seven years for infrastructure development and capacity building of athletes, as well as when the country is enjoying full peace, political and social stability, safety, security, order, economic growth, and development in all domains.
Varieties of art performances from well-known singers, dancers, and artists will be showcased to cheer the historically regional event more solemnly.
Cambodia is hosting the 32nd SEA Games from May 5 to 17, and the 12th ASEAN Para Games from June 3 to 9, under the motto: "Sports: Live in Peace".
The host country had provided free entry for the spectators to all tournaments, free accommodation and food for sport delegates, and free broadcasting rights for media partners. This reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting the regional sports family and international guests in neighbourly environment of solidarity and friendship.
Sports not only gives people healthy, a sole solidarity, friendship, good cooperation with understanding, and mixed feelings of joys and concerns, but it also teaches us how to work harmoniously with other stakeholders, especially the sports committee.
"Today is an era of competition, not a barrier or an overthrough of the development and progress of others, especially young generation. We compete each other to increase quality, strengthen quality and keep up with quality. Conservationism is like a stone stays on sprouts," said Samdech Techo Hun Sen at a graduation ceremony of Vanda Institute on Mar. 23.
SEA Games 2023 is welcoming over 12,400 athletes, coaches, and staff from participating ten ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste.
The regional athletes are set to compete in 37 sports with 581 events: 384 for men, 229 women, and 48 mixed.
As the host country, Cambodia has determined to win medals as much as possible. As of the evening of May 04, Cambodia has won nine medals (five gold and four silver) in Kun Bokator and Jiu-Jitsu, making the Kingdom stay on the top of Medal Table.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP)