Cambodia Strengthens Youth Development in International Boxing and Kun Khmer

Phnom Penh, July 17, 2026 -- Mr. Ouk Chantha, Deputy Director of the Phnom Penh Municipal Department of Education, Youth and Sport, representing Mr. Hem Sinareth, Director of the Department, presided over the closing ceremony of the 2026 Phnom Penh Municipal U18 International Boxing and Kun Khmer Championship. He described the competition as a platform for exchanging experiences and enhancing technical skills, fostering friendship, solidarity, and health. At the successful closing event held on the afternoon of July 16, 2026, at the Olympic National Stadium, Mr. Ouk Chantha expressed sincere appreciation to the national sports federations and all organizing committees for their excellent cooperation, which led to the discovery of winners in all disciplines of international boxing and Kun Khmer, with commendable results. Mr. Ouk Chantha further highlighted that reports from the organizing committee indicated that the participating international boxing and Kun Khmer clubs achieved excellent results in terms of technical level, discipline, and order. This demonstrated the dedication of the athletes and the support, both in resources and encouragement, provided by the club presidents to their teams. The athletes participated with a high sense of responsibility and a genuine passion for international boxing and Kun Khmer. He added that the athletes understood that this boxing competition was an opportunity to exchange experiences and improve their technical skills, contributing to the creation of friendship, solidarity, and good health. This aligns with the "Pentagon Strategy" Phase 1, launched by the 7th mandate Royal Government of Cambodia under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, which emphasizes the development of high-quality human capital, good health, advanced skills, and moral virtues to ensure sustainable national social development. Furthermore, Mr. Ouk Chantha urged the presidents of the international boxing and Kun Khmer clubs in Phnom Penh to continue nurturing athletes. He stressed the importance of educating them on ethics, virtues, and morals, and facilitating their continued training and technical improvement through material and financial support. This preparation is crucial for their participation in upcoming national-level international boxing and Kun Khmer competitions organized by national sports federations and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. It is noteworthy that the 2026 Phnom Penh U18 Championship for International Boxing and Kun Khmer ran for four days, from July 13 to 16. Eight clubs participated, involving a total of 120 delegates, coaches, and athletes competing in 10 events across 10 weight classes. International boxing featured four weight categories. By Heng Nalin © 2018 National news agency of Cambodia. All rights reserved.