Three Cambodian gymnasts along with two officials are heading to the South Korean city of Incheon for the FIG Aerobic World Championships, to be held at the Namdong Gymnasium from June 17 to 19.

More than 300 gymnasts from 30 countries are expected to take part in this biennial event, which is being held in Asia for the second time.

The competition involves men’s and women’s individual events, mixed pairs, trio, group, aerobic step and aerobic dance.

While Sor Sopheng and Choeun Chanbory will enter men’s senior individual competition, the only female member of the team, Sor Sokim, will partner Sor Sopheng in the senior mixed pair for a shot at the title.

Nay Phonna, the secretary-general of the Cambodia Gymnastics Federation, will accompany the team as coach while the fifth member of the squad, Sum Srorn, has been picked as one of the judges.

“It will be a great opportunity for our Gymnasts to experience high quality competition and in a sport that is gradually gaining strength in Cambodia,’’ the CGF secretary-general said.

The expenses for the five-member team’s trip will be jointly funded by personal contributions from Tourism Minister Dr Thong Khon, and Oknha Sok Hong, president of CGF, the head of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and the vice president of CGF, he said.

“The teams’ expenses like airfares, boarding and lodging for eight days in Incheon have been paid for by Dr Thong Khon and Oknha Sok Hong,” Nay Phonna told the Post yesterday.

“The federation also owes a debt of gratitude to Ms Lity Yab for allowing the team members to practice on the aerobic floor,” Phonna added.