Action from the 2nd Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship 2024, hosted by Cambodia at the National Olympic Stadium. NOCC
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) has made a significant stride in the advancement of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through the strategic sponsorship of Gordon Tang, vice-president of both the NOCC and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This initiative will see five top Cambodian MMA athletes undergo a rigorous year-long training programme in China, equipping them for strong performances at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Although Tang could not attend the NOCC General Assembly on March 27 due to his participation in the inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association Promotion and Test Seminar in Singapore from March 28–30, his dedication was affirmed by his assistant, Meng Wang.
A Singaporean billionaire and philanthropist, Tang is committed to raising Cambodia’s standing in international sports.
With MMA debuting as a medal event at both the 2026 Asian Games and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October, he remains a strong advocate for the sport's development across Asia. In his capacity as Chair of the OCA’s Esports, Martial Arts and Mind Sports Committee, he has also pushed for MMA’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.
As a Singaporean billionaire and philanthropist, Tang is committed to raising Cambodia’s standing in international sports.
With MMA debuting as a medal event at both the 2026 Asian Games and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October, he remains a strong advocate for the sport's development across Asia.
Gordon Tang shakes hands with Prime Minister Hun Manet during a meeting on the development of the Kingdom’s sporting sector last year. Supplied
In his capacity as Chair of the OCA’s Esports, Martial Arts, and Mind Sports Committee, he has also pushed for MMA’s potential inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Beyond his role in sports, Tang has developed strong ties with Cambodia through business and philanthropic ventures. His significant investments in the country, particularly in real estate and economic initiatives, have strengthened his relationship with the Cambodian government.
His sponsorship of national athletes aligns with Cambodia's broader strategy to enhance its global reputation through sports, a vision championed by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
This latest initiative adds to Tang’s ongoing support for Cambodian athletes across multiple disciplines. In 2024, he sponsored six athletes from gymnastics, fencing, and weightlifting to train in China, reflecting his long-term commitment to strengthening Cambodia’s overall sports landscape — not just in martial arts but also in Olympic and emerging sports.
“Gordon Tang’s leadership in securing MMA’s place in the 2026 Asian Games, alongside his sponsorship of five elite Cambodian fighters for intensive training in China, is not only enhancing their competitive prospects but also elevating Cambodia’s international sports reputation,” stated Vath Chamroeun, NOCC secretary-general.
“This investment in Cambodian MMA is part of his broader effort to develop the nation’s sports infrastructure and promote traditional martial arts globally,” he added.
Tang’s efforts align with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s vision for expanding Cambodia’s sports sector and promoting the nation’s traditional martial arts. His collaboration with the government was instrumental in hosting the 2nd AMMA Championship, where Cambodian fighters secured 15 medals, including one gold, five silver and nine bronze.
Tang has also committed to supporting Cambodia’s hosting of the 2029 Asian Youth Games, positioning the nation as a capable host of major international sporting events and motivating the next generation of athletes.
Beyond MMA, his impact extends into Olympic and emerging sports. As president of the Cambodia Sailing Federation, he played a key role in the nation’s first-ever sailing medals at the 32nd SEA Games, showcasing his broad and inclusive vision for Cambodian sports.
Whether through martial arts, Olympic disciplines, or new sporting ventures, Tang remains a driving force in building a robust and sustainable sports ecosystem that enables Cambodian athletes to excel on the world stage.
