Cambodia Prepares to Host 23rd ASEAN University Games in 2028

Cambodia is stepping up preparations to host the 23rd ASEAN University Games in 2028. A training course on general rules and technical regulations was held for 42 participants (9 women) representing 15 national sports federations and departments under the General Directorate of Sports. The four-day training, from September 12 to 15, 2026, aims to strengthen participants' capacities and understanding of general rules and technical regulations, ensure harmonization and standardization of documents, guarantee consistency with international standards, and prepare for cooperation. At the opening of the training, H.E. Kae Bunthoeung, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and President of the Cambodian Student Sports Federation, announced that the Royal Government of Cambodia has officially agreed to grant the Kingdom of Cambodia the honor of hosting the 23rd ASEAN University Games in Phnom Penh in 2028. Hosting this significant sporting event is a great honor and a meaningful mission for Cambodia's sports sector, as well as a crucial opportunity to showcase Cambodia's capabilities, potential, and prestige on the international sports stage. H.E. Kae Bunthoeung further stated that, based on the development of sports in Cambodia, the region, and internationally, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, with its specialized departments and the Cambodian Student Sports Federation as its staff, has been and continues to promote deep reforms in sports at higher education institutions and technical secondary institutions. This includes organizing extracurricular sports programs and preparing sports competitions at all levels. Notably, the Ministry has implemented reforms in organizing and managing sports competitions at all levels to ensure quality, efficiency, and a game-like character, focusing on various key aspects. The Secretary of State encouraged the directors, deputy directors of technical affairs, and representatives of the 15 national sports federations to pay close attention and listen attentively to the instructors' guidance. He also urged them to actively participate in discussions and exchange views, and to cooperate in drafting and preparing technical regulations for the 23rd ASEAN University Games in 2028 to be comprehensive, clear, accurate, and of the highest standard. He emphasized that the participation of the 15 national sports federations is crucial for ensuring the technical quality and success of organizing this prestigious ASEAN-level sports event, and it serves as an opportunity for Cambodia to demonstrate its professional and high-standard capabilities in organizing international sports events. Source: AKP Khmer