SEA Games Torch Relay Kicks Off in Siem Reap Province

The Royal Torch Lighting and Torch Relay Ceremony for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2023 kicked off this morning in front of Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap province.

His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, accompanied by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and many other senior officials as well as Siem Reap provincial authorities, presided over the historical event.

H.E. Dato Seri Chaiyapak Siriwat, CEO of SEA Games Federation and H.E. Osoth Bhavilai, ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) Executive Committee President, were also present on the occasion.

The ceremony coincides with Equinox, the natural phenomenon wherein the sun rises over the central tower of the Angkor Wat Temple.

As planned, the sports flame will be run around the small circuit of the Angkor Archaeological Park, and will kept a night at Wat Bo Pagoda before leaving for other ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste on Mar. 22.

After that, the torch relay will return to Cambodia and go around the Tonle Sap River till May 5, 2023 when the country will officially launch the SEA Games-ASEAN Para Games 2023 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.

The Flame for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023 is one of wonder, reflecting not only divine power and energy but also friendship, solidarity, and sustainability, said Cambodia 2023 in a Facebook post this morning, adding that it symbolises the glory of sports within the realm of peace and development, embodying the Games’ motto of “Sports: Live in Peace.”

According to the same source, the height of the torch is 75 centimetres and weights slightly over one kilogramme. The top of the torch was designed to reflect the symbol of Romdoul, the Kingdom of Cambodia national flower and it is plated with gold colour to show that the Kingdom of Cambodia and its people have risen to the top. The design on the handle of the torch is filled with multiple Kbach Chan connected together to signify the unity in achieving peace and success for the country and South East Asia community.

Only 45 days left before the 32nd SEA Games to be held from May 5 to 7, and 74 days left before the 12th ASEAN Para Games to take place from June 3 to 9, 2023.

In total, 36 sports and a demonstration sport (table football) have been listed for the 32nd SEA Games and 13 for the 12th ASEAN Para Games.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse