Cambodia to Send Two Boxers to Asian Games, Aiming for 2028 Olympic Qualification

The Cambodian Boxing Federation has announced preparations to send two boxers to the Asian Games to be held in Japan in September 2026. The selected athletes are Vey Sophors, competing in the 70kg weight class, and Ne Sreydy Nu Anva, in the 80kg weight class. Buoy Sophann, President of the Cambodian Boxing Federation, emphasized the significance of this quadrennial event in strengthening the national team for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers in Los Angeles. He noted that the Asian Games are a far more competitive event than the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which involve 11 nations, as the Asian Games include 45 participating countries. Many of the boxers in this continental competition are considered world-class athletes, with strong contenders hailing from countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines. Sophann stated that the federation has been preparing the two selected boxers with intensive training since the beginning of the year. In addition to specialized training, the athletes have also participated in various competitions to enhance their technical skills and gain experience. They are receiving special coaching from foreign volunteer coaches, who are also former professional boxers. The federation president observed a significant improvement in the athletes' technical capabilities. He identified boxers from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as major obstacles, given their strong track record, including multiple Olympic gold medals. However, Sophann views facing such elite international competitors as a valuable opportunity for Cambodian athletes to further refine their techniques. The federation's ultimate goal extends beyond the Asian Games, aiming to secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles through the upcoming Olympic qualifiers in 2027. Source: AKP Khmer