Cambodia Optimistic About Winning Medals at ITF Asian Championships, Aims to Host in 2028

Deputy Prime Minister Keo Remy, who also heads the Cambodian ITF Taekwondo Federation, departed from Techo International Airport on the night of August 1st to lead the Cambodian delegation to the 11th ITF Taekwondo Asian Championships, scheduled to take place in Mongolia from August 3rd to 9th. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed optimism that the Cambodian athletes would secure numerous medals, despite the participation of many strong contenders. He stated that Cambodian athletes are fully prepared and eager to compete for medals, emphasizing the importance of split-second focus and the mental fortitude required to overcome multiple opponents. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the competition will be fierce, with a large number of athletes from countries such as North Korea, China, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan participating. He noted that winning a medal in ITF Taekwondo can be challenging, often requiring competitors to win five or more matches to reach the semi-finals and finals. Despite these challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Keo Remy remains confident in Cambodia's medal prospects. Furthermore, he revealed his ambition to bid for hosting the 2028 Asian Championships. He explained that his trip to Mongolia also includes efforts to secure the hosting rights for the 2028 event, following Mongolia's hosting in 2026. Cambodia possesses adequate infrastructure, including hotels and catering services, and has a successful track record of hosting events like the Southeast Asian Championships. Hosting the 2028 Asian Championships is expected to boost sports tourism, benefiting the tourism sector and various services, thereby improving the livelihoods of the Cambodian people. The Cambodian ITF Taekwondo delegation comprises a total of 47 members, including leaders, one international referee, coaches, assistant coaches, and 32 athletes from both the youth and senior teams. Source: AKP Khmer