Phnom Penh, 20 July 2024 – Dr. Thong Khon, Senior Minister in Charge of Sports Development and President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), expressed confidence that the three Cambodian athletes participating in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, will break their own records in the competition. He emphasized the importance of competing with integrity, winning with justice, and losing with honor, without compromising the nation's dignity.

Dr. Thong Khon made these remarks on the evening of July 21, 2024, at Phnom Penh International Airport before leading the Cambodian sports delegation to the Summer Olympics in Paris, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Regarding the mission for the 2024 Olympic Games, Dr. Thong Khon mentioned that the Cambodian athletes will compete in two sports: athletics and swimming. These sports are mandatory for all 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that are members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The core spirit of the International Olympic Movement is the participation of both veteran and new members in the world's most prestigious sporting event, held every four years.

Dr. Thong Khon highlighted that the two athletes, Chhun Bunthon (athletics) and swimmers Kosong de la Parrong, Anthorn Martin Claude, and Sak Bun Apsara Karina, were selected by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, with approval from the IOC. These athletes have set their own records at the SEA Games and Asian levels each year. "Even though we may not achieve gold medals, we take pride in breaking our own records annually," he added.

The NOCC President emphasized the values of excellence, solidarity, and friendship inherent in the Olympic spirit, noting that the event offers leaders a valuable opportunity to meet with Olympic members from other countries and foster international cooperation. He stressed the significance of the Olympics for Cambodia, which has gained international recognition through its participation in the opening ceremony and for hosting the 2023 SEA Games, Paralympic Games, and Asian Games.

Dr. Thong Khon reiterated the commitment of the Cambodian delegation to uphold the high guidance of Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. The athletes are dedicated to winning with justice and losing with honor, ensuring that the nation's honor is preserved and promoted on the international stage.