The 32nd SEA Games, hosted by Cambodia since May 5, 2023, was ended successfully with security and order under the motto of “Sport: Live in Peace”.
The Official Closing Ceremony will take place at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh this evening under the presidency of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and his spouse Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen, with Cambodian high-ranking officials, distinguished national and international guests, civil servants and the general public in attendance.
According to the programme, series of musical and art performances from famous local singers, dancers and artists, especially “The Great Soul of Kun Bokotor” martial arts performance will be held to cheer the successful organisation of the regional sports games by Cambodia, along with the parade of athletes and a video highlighting activities of SEA Games athletes.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen will announce the Official Closing of SEA Games 2023, preceded by remarks from Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, and President of the SEA Games-ASEAN Para Games Organising Committees (CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC), and H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and Chairman of SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) Council, followed by fabulous firework displays.
On the occasion, there will be Award Ceremony for the Best Athletes of the 32nd SEA Games, SEAGF Flag Lowering Ceremony, and Handover Ceremony of SEAGF Flag to Thailand, the host of the 33rd SEA Games in 2025.
Cambodia’s successful and historic hosting of the SEA Games 2023 came after seven years of preparations for infrastructure development and capacity building of athletes, as well as when the country is enjoying full peace, political and social stability, safety, security, order, economic growth, and development in all domains.
The regional sports event in Cambodia was made possible thanks to the wise leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia, good management team of CAMSOC, and good collaboration of all stakeholders such as commitment and tireless effort of sports delegates and athletes for fair plays; national and international media; local competent authorities; Cambodian fellow citizens for their wholehearted welcome to foreign guests; youth volunteers with their broad smiles and their friendly, helpful, collaborative and supportive attitudes on hand to sports delegates and spectators; as well as artists and local music companies for their beautiful songs for the SEA Games 2023.
Beyond the national expectation, Cambodia grabbed a total of 282 medals – 81 gold, 74 silver, and 127 bronze, standing fourth on the Medal Table. Of the 81 gold medals, the country won 14 in Kun Khmer, 10 in Vovinam, 8 in Kun Bokator, 6 in Kickboxing, 5 in Wresting, 4 in Chinlone, 3 in Jiu-Jitsu, 3 in E-sports, 3 in Cricket, 2 in Soft Tennis, 2 in Triathlon, 2 in Pencak Silat, 2 in Billiard, 2 in Fin Swimming, 2 in Taekwondo, 2 in Traditional Boat Race, 2 in Arnis, 1 in Ouk Chaktrang (Chess), 1 in Basketball, 1 in Karate, 1 in Wushu, 1 in Badminton, 1 in Athletics, 1 in Judo, 1 in Boxing, and 1 in Jet Ski.
Even after the end of the regional event, Cambodia will continue to warmly welcome all the SEA Games 2023 sports delegates who wish to visit Angkor temples in Siem Reap province by providing them with free entry.
Over 12,400 athletes, coaches, and staff from the ten ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste participated in the SEA Games 2023.
The regional athletes were set to compete in 37 sports with 581 events: 384 for men, 229 women, and 48 mixed.
In addition to the spirit of sports without discrimination of sex, age, race and religion, the SEA Games 2023 has attracted more and more Cambodian people to love sports, support sports, learn more about sports, and play sports.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse