The inaugural three-day "Khmer Martial Arts Journey to the Historical Site of Angkor" programme successfully concluded in Siem Reap province yesterday, August 29.

Provincial governor Prak Sophoan praised the event as a valuable initiative to revive the history of ancient Khmer martial arts depicted in stone carvings and to promote this heritage to both national and international audiences.

He emphasised that the effort aligns with the aspirations of provincial and government leaders.

Speaking to the media on August 29 after meeting with athletes, coaches and team members who participated in the tour at the Angkor site, Sophoan said, “We have a rich history inscribed on our temple carvings, and I have often been involved with the Lbokator and Khmer martial arts teams.”

“[Minister of Civil Service] Hun Many has strongly supported this initiative, organising the Angkor Sangkranta event to showcase, understand and continue research. The team that visited here is not only promoting this research but also advancing it. I believe that in the future, this research will grow to further highlight our ancestors' legacy,” he added.

Sophoan noted that Prime Minister Hun Manet has consistently promoted tourism in Siem Reap province. He said the tour represents a new initiative that not only boosts tourism but also explores and documents the history of ancient Khmer martial arts.

“Tourism in Siem Reap is not just about the temples; we also have culture, religion and various sports. This team is helping to promote our tourism sector because showcasing these aspects to the national and international public makes Siem Reap even more attractive.

“It also gives visitors the chance to see firsthand the stone carvings that depict ancient Khmer martial arts,” the provincial governor highlighted.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport’s Directorate General of Sport brought several members of a local Lbokator team and four national team athletes to the event, including 2023 SEA Games gold medal-winning fighters Chhoeung Lvai, Lon Panha and female boxer Touch Chanvatey, along with bronze winner Chha Chandeng.

Pheung Dara, a technical officer from the APSARA National Authority’s (ANA) Department of Conservation and Archaeology, provided the team with detailed explanations about the history and significance of the ancient carvings found on the temple walls.

Sophoan views this as a strong indication of the potential for ancient Khmer martial arts to gain wider recognition, noting that in the past, traditional dances have been more commonly featured.

“It’s only in recent years that we’ve started to actively promote Lbokator and Khmer martial arts. This is a major part of our heritage and a source of pride,” he said.

“In the past, we often saw foreign influences, but now the government has been encouraging the promotion of Khmer martial arts and Lbokator, helping to raise awareness among Khmers and bringing them to the international stage. I fully support further research and the production of major video content, both personally and in my professional capacity,” he added.

ANA spokesperson Long Kosal welcomed the team at Bakheng Temple on August 28. He expressed his support for the tour, as it helps preserve the ancestral heritage at the Angkor site.

“Our main strategy is to deepen the understanding of the intangible aspects of our culture. We have temple structures and carvings that carry meaning through sculpture, architecture, engineering and construction. But beyond that, these elements are connected to the life, history and civilisation of our people,” he said.

“This represents our history, showing that we Khmers have long known how to use strategy, martial arts and self-defense techniques through these practices. Today, we are continuing this tradition. This is especially significant for you athletes, who play a crucial role in advancing the field,” he added.

Kosal expressed his gratitude to the education ministry, the Khmer Martial Arts Federation and other involved parties for their efforts in reviving and promoting ancient Khmer martial arts and Lbokator.

He encouraged the Cambodian athletes and the team assembled for the tour to continue working hard to bring further achievements to the nation.

“I hope you all continue to grow stronger and more skilled as athletes, representing Cambodia on the international stage in your respective fields. Just as we do in our own areas, together, we all carry the Cambodian flag, contributing to Cambodia's growing recognition and reputation on the global stage,” he said.

Thin Vicheth, head of the National Sport Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Statistics Centre under the ministry’s sport directorate, praised the success of the inaugural event, highlighting the strong support from authorities and other stakeholders.

“During the three-day visit to Angkor, we achieved results beyond our expectations, thanks to the support of the provincial governor,” he said.

“We also received cooperation from the ANA in easing regulations at the Angkor site, which allowed our athletes to fully appreciate the carvings of ancient Khmer martial arts at various temples,” he added.

Vicheth also announced plans to compile a report on the tour's outcomes, with the intention of proposing the establishment of a research committee and formal documentation of these findings, pending approval from the sport directorate and education minister Hang Chuon Naron.

“With new collaborations between media outlets and the Khmer Martial Arts Federation, and following the recommendations of sport directorate director-general Pon Sok, our goal is to elevate this work to the level of comprehensive research and compile an official document,” he said.

“Our focus is not limited to Khmer martial arts alone. We also need to continue developing other traditional sports and games. However, all our actions must align with the policies set by our leadership, as we, the technical officers, must follow the directives provided,” he added.

Pheung Dara, a technical officer at ANA’s Department of Conservation and Archaeology, expressed his joy at being able to share additional knowledge with the Khmer athletes, particularly the Khmer martial arts team.

He noted that these athletes usually train and compete in the ring but have not had the opportunity to see the ancient Khmer carvings. He said this experience has given them a deeper understanding of the philosophies of the Khmer ancestors, who carved these depictions into stone.

Dara hopes more martial arts practitioners will come to learn and explore as well.

“I want other Khmer athletes, as well as the Cambodian public, to come and see the carvings of ancient Khmer martial arts … and to understand the meaning behind each temple's carvings.

“These are found not only in Siem Reap but also in Preah Vihear province. They serve as evidence and a true representation of the history of ancient Khmer martial arts to the international community,” he said.