As the 2024 Asian Kickboxing Championships gets underway, Cambodian athletes are gearing up to shine on home soil, with seasoned veterans and newcomers alike aiming for the coveted gold medals. 

The event, taking place at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh from October 6 to 13, will see over 600 athletes from 22 nations competing for supremacy.

Among the most determined is Bird Songkherm, a legend of the 60kg weight class, whose real name is Touch Rachhan. Already a national hero after claiming gold at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam and the 32nd games in Cambodia, Songkherm is focused on adding more medals to his growing collection.

“I’ve trained hard for this moment. My goal is to push myself to the limit and bring home the gold for Cambodia,” he declared, as he prepared for what promises to be a tense and competitive tournament.

Despite the high stakes, he was calm and confident, although he admitted he was unsure about his first opponent. 

“The competition is fierce, and I don’t yet know who I’ll face. But I’m ready, and when I step into the ring, I’ll give my best to make my country proud,” he added.

Equally focused is Nou Sreypov, a one-time garment factory worker who is now a rising star in the women’s 55kg category. 

Although her previous attempts at kickboxing have ended in disappointment, she is determined to break through at this event. After a tough loss in the 2024 AMMA Championship, she has redoubled her efforts in training, with one clear goal in mind: to win a medal at the Asian Kickboxing Championships.

“Although I haven’t done well in my previous kickboxing matches, this time I’m fully committed to giving my best. I’ve been training relentlessly, and I’m determined to bring home a medal for myself and for Cambodia,” she said.

With a total of 62 Cambodian athletes participating, the host country is fielding a strong team to take on the 485 international entrants. Among them are several SEA Games gold medallists Prom Samnang, Chhoeung Lvai, Rin Davit, Sok Rith, and Sainy Sainet, all of whom are aiming to make their mark in this prestigious event.

Heng Sokhorn, president of the Cambodia Kickboxing Federation, urged each of the Kingdom’s athletes to maintain the highest standards of discipline and sportsmanship, especially as they represent their nation on home turf. 

“As hosts, we must show respect for the sport, uphold the code of conduct and compete with pride. Our athletes must give their best performance and aim for as many gold medals as possible,” he said.

He also cautioned against the use of performance-enhancing drugs, stressing the importance of fairness in competition. 

“The global community is highly vigilant about doping in sports. We must ensure that all athletes remain clean and compete with integrity. As hosts, we must set a positive example and steer clear of any substances that could tarnish our reputation,” he added.

The championships promise to be an exciting and intense competition, with the Kingdom’s athletes hoping to build on their strong performances and showcase their talents on the world stage. The event will not only highlight the country’s growing strength in kickboxing but also solidify Cambodia’s position as a rising force in the Asian sports arena.

For Songkherm, Sreypov, and the rest of the Cambodian team, the path to victory is clear: dedication, discipline, and a fierce commitment to their country. 

As the competition heats up, the Kingdom’s athletes are ready to rise to the occasion and fight for gold.