A memorandum of understanding that focuses on free blood tests for Cambodian athletes as well as their health was signed by National Olympic Committee of Cambodia secretary-general Vath Chamroeun and Lee Han, president of the NOCC’s new Sport Medicine and Science Centre, during a ceremony on Saturday morning.

Around 300 athletes, coaches and sports officials attended the ceremony, which was held at NOCC headquarters in the National Sports Complex.

Han told reporters that the agreement included the offer of free blood tests to national team players and coaches up to three times a year.

The Sport Medicine and Science Centre, according to its president, has been endorsed by 150 doctors, domestic and international clinics and various global organisations. The tests will use imported equipment guaranteed to international standard.

“Our centre is the same standard as the Pasteur Institute and similar to those in countries such as Singapore,” Han told the Post.

Vath Chamroeun said that the agreement helped “greatly contribute to the NOCC’s development,” while the head of the NOCC’s Science Committee, Chea Sdeng, noted the importance of conducting regular blood tests before international competitions.

“Coaches need to know the blood type of their athletes and it’s a good method of preventing the national team members from doping and using performance enhancing substances,” said Chea Sdeng.

TRANSLATED BY CHENG SERYRITH