PHNOM PENH: The torch relay for the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games will end at Morodok Techo National Stadium today where the torch’s arrival will be celebrated by thousands as the official start of the historic event. However, Cambodia’s celebrations have already begun as the country leads the medal count ahead of the opening ceremony. On May 4, Kongmona Mithora and Touch Pikada, the Cambodian men’s Jiu-Jitsu duo, won the first gold medal of the year after defeating Thailand. In total, Cambodia has garnered nine medals (including five gold) and its athletes continue to compete and defeat in a variety of sports.

So far, all of Cambodia’s medals have been won in combat sports. Mithora and Pikada won four straight matches in Jiu-Jitsu before scoring the country its first gold medal. Cambodian Jiu-Jitsu fighter and fan favourite Jessa Khan defeated three opponents: Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand, winning a silver medal for Cambodia. Cambodian athletes have dominated their indigenous sport of Kun Bokator-a style of combat based in ancient Khmer battle techniques. They have already won six medals in the sport, despite a frustrating defeat from the Philippines’ Angel Gwen Derla in the women’s bamboo shield form.

All eyes are on the men’s football team competing in group A against Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Timor-Leste. They won their first match against Timor-Leste in a 4-0 victory on April 29. Fans and coaches alike are on edge after a 1-1 draw with the Philippines on Tuesday, which left the Cambodian team in first place in the group with four points. Their lead was surpassed by Indonesia yesterday who now holds six points after a 5-1 victory over Myanmar. The Philippines were edged out of the semifinals yesterday after losing to Timor-Leste. While Cambodia maintains a solid position in its group, its league president has promised to step down if the team does not make it to the semifinals.

As the competition ramps up, Cambodian athletes are bringing national pride in a variety of sports. The Cambodian men’s indoor volleyball team dominated the Philippines winning all three sets (25-18, 25-18, 25-17) at the Olympic Stadium on May 4. That same day, the Cambodian cricket team celebrated a victory over Singapore with a 181 to 160 result. The national women’s football team won its first match against Laos on May 3rd with a score of 2-0. They are set to play Singapore tomorrow at 8pm.