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Feature: Cambodia Set to Welcome the 2023 SEA Games

PHNOM PENH: For the first time in its history, Cambodia will proudly host the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games. The Royal Government, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, has put a lot of effort into welcoming athletes and international visitors to the historic event.

With only a few days left before the opening ceremony of the SEA Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, the city is resplendent in banners, flags, slogans and lights. As you traverse the streets of the city, house fronts are adorned with Cambodian flags and slogans such as “Visit Cambodia 2023”, “Sports Live in Peace” and “Cambodia is Beautiful” can be seen on buildings, tuk-tuks and cars.

Much preparation is underway at the National Olympic Stadium, another important venue for the SEA Games. Last week crews were busy decorating the venue with banners and flags and safety measures were being put in place, including barriers and a first aid tent.


EAC News spoke with members of the public who are excited to see the games come to life. Tim Vannak, 18, said that he was very happy to see the SEA Games come to Cambodia. He said that the event was being well-organized which is great to see ahead of such a meaningful sporting event for the ASEAN region.

"I want Cambodia to have more sports competitions like this," he said.


Hom Sothon, 18, Echoed Vannak’s excitement for the games, saying how nice it is for Cambodia to be hosting such a major sporting event.

"It’s our first time [hosting], but hopefully our nation will be well-prepared, so that other nations see that our country is both peaceful and well-organized," he said.


18-year-old Phorn Elika expressed her pride in Cambodia for hosting the regional games.

"I understand that Cambodia must be doing well to be able to reach the international stage. We are very lucky to have Prime Minister Hun Sen leading the country in peace these days," she said.

On April 28, the SEA Games torch returned to Phnom Penh with much fanfare from the public.


Phnom Penh resident Seng Sothearith, 34, said he had never seen such a large regional event take place in Cambodia. He added that it was not east for Cambodia to get this chance, so citizens should seize the opportunity to make memories as much as possible during this time.

"It’s my first time [seeing something like this] and I think the window of opportunity is limited for me," he said. “Maybe in 20 years, we host again, but I'm afraid that in 20-30 years, I’ll be over 50. I won’t be able to stand this much. So I need to seize this opportunity. I am so proud to see Cambodia organize this year’s SEA Games.”

The torch procession passed in front of the Morodok Techo National Stadium where it exchanged hands before arriving at Wat Phnom, where the Governor of Phnom Penh accepted the torch and proceeded down the riverbank to the Royal Palace and Independence Monument before arriving at Wat Langka pagoda, where it stayed overnight. The next day, the torch continued on its journey to the provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake.

It will be worth braving the crowds to see the cheers of young and old, men, women and foreigners alike, celebrating the SEA Games torch relay with the Cambodian flag being waived by the thousands.

Cambodia's organization of this year’s SEA Games has made the nation even more visible on the international stage. Especially considering the government has provided free broadcasting rights to the media, in addition to providing free admission to the sporting events.

Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that he wanted the sporting event to be a national celebration for the people of Cambodia. He has promised all competing athletes security and fair competition during the games. He specifically addressed the potential for traffic delaying competitors’ timely arrivals to their matches, saying "I guarantee it, on my honor. I am responsible for any safety and timing issues of the games.”

Cambodia will officially inaugurate the SEA Games in a ceremony on May 5. Many Cambodians sit in anticipation of this historic event as the SEA Games torch circles the Tonle Sap Lake before finally returning to the capital city.



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