PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has encouraged a number of key points to contribute to the promotion of sports as well as the preparation of the upcoming 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the 41st General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Phnom Penh on Tuesday morning, 4 October, the Prime Minister suggested a number of key points to contribute to the promotion of sports and the successful preparation of the SEA Games.

As an opportunity to reunite the families of the 45 Olympic Councils, the Prime Minister encouraged there to be more discussions and sharing of knowledge related to the organization of major sporting events, and the management and development of sports techniques to improve sports in Asia.

In addition, he said the OCA needs to increase multi-sport activities in member countries to promote sports in Asia and increase the linkage of sports to the economy. Sports tourism, in particular, is considered a type of green tourism that strengthens friendship and solidarity and contributes to building peace and prosperity in the region.

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, especially the National Organizing Committee of the 2023 SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games, must increase technical cooperation and experience with the OCA, the National Olympic Committees of member countries, the Southeast Asian Sports Federation, the ASEAN Para Sports Federation Council, and other international sports institutions, for further training and development of the technical sports level of Cambodian athletes so that they can participate more widely in international events in the future.

The Prime Minister also called on the member countries of the OCA to provide support in all possible forms for the successful organization of the 2023 SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia.

He also wished the General Assembly of the OCA to produce fruitful and successful results, and feel comfortable while having the pleasure of staying in the Kingdom of Cambodia.