PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Senior Minister Sun Chanthol, emphasized that winning gold medals and seeing the Cambodian flag waiving high is a matter of national pride for the nation’s athletes.

Chanthol, who is also president of the Khmer Swimming Federation, met with 49 Cambodian swimmers at the Ministry of Public Works on the evening of May 4, 2023, where he urged them to give it their all to bring home the gold for Cambodia. He said it was a matter of great excitement and pride that the Cambodian flag be hoisted higher than any other once all is said and done.

With that said, he reminded the players to abide by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s instructions to compete fairly and according to their ability. As representatives of the Cambodian nation, they are not to use prohibited substances to compete.

With swimming competitions in this year’s SEA Games will begin on May 6, Cambodian athletes in all disciplines have expressed determination in winning medals for the nation.

Local gold medalist Ung Ly Heng said he has been training in China for eight months and is ready to win. "I am determined to do my best to win a medal for Cambodia," he said.

Water polo is a relatively new sport for the SEA Games and Cheng Sopha is only just beginning his career in the sport. He is confident, however, that he and his team can lead Cambodia to gold in the sport. "My team is committed. We are trying hard in this SEA Games to see good results," he said.

Cambodian swimmer Sok Vorleak is determined to succeed. The 22-year-old has competed in three SEA Games and remarked that her results get better every year. She said, "As for me, I am determined to do my best to bring pride to Cambodia and myself as well.”

Senior Minister Sun Chanthol has offered a $ 10,000 incentive for any swimmer that wins a gold medal.

As of the evening of May 4, Cambodia leads the medal count with five gold medals, followed by the Philippines with two and Thailand with one.