Phnom Penh:Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has underscored the crucial role of sports in fostering health, discipline, and resilience among individuals. He highlighted that sports activities instill the ability to recover from setbacks, a vital life skill.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister made these remarks during the inaugural ceremony of the 5th National Games and the 3rd National Para Games, which took place at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on November 7. The events are being held under the theme 'Sports for National Unity.'
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the National Games and National Para Games were conceptualized as part of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen's long-term vision. This vision aimed to provide athletes with platforms to exhibit their talents and abilities. The current editions are designed to elevate national sports standards by giving athletes a chance to enhance their skills, perform better, and gain essential competition experience. Additionally, these games serve as a preparation ground for sports officials to bolster their expertise for Cambodia's upcoming hosting duties of significant regional sporting events, including the 23rd ASEAN University Games in 2028, the Asian Youth Para Games in 2029, and the Asian Youth Games in 2031.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron revealed that the 5th National Games feature 32 sports disciplines with 258 events. These include athletics, swimming, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, wrestling, table tennis, Taekwondo WT, tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, judo, karate, cycling, triathlon, fencing, traditional boat racing, Kun Khmer, Bokator, petanque, dance sport, Vovinam, billiards, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, soft tennis, Taekwondo ITF, Khmer chess, weightlifting, hockey, and wushu. The 3rd National Para Games include 10 sports with 46 events para athletics, para swimming, wheelchair basketball, para table tennis, sitting volleyball, para chess, boccia, para judo, para powerlifting, and para badminton.
A total of 4,680 sports delegates are participating in 304 events across the two games, representing 25 capital and provincial administrations and three ministries the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The National Games in Cambodia commenced in 2016, with subsequent editions held in 2018, 2022, 2024, and now 2026.