Athletes posted photos at the just-concluded national karate championship on January 14. Photo supplied
The leaders of the Cambodia Karate Federation have urged the Kingdom’s karate exponents – especially those who claimed medals at the just-concluded national karate championship on January 14 – to focus on their training and strengthen their abilities, with the goal of fighting for gold at next year’s 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.
Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), addressed the closing ceremony of the national championships, held at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).
Chamroeun said that Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth, who heads the karate foundation, had sent his regards to each of the competitors and encouraged them to step up their preparations for next year’s SEA Games.
Chamroeun expressed hopes that the combined efforts of the federation’s coaches and athletes would enable them to improve on the excellent results they obtained at the last SEA Games, which were hosted by Cambodia.
At their home games in 2023, the Kingdom’s karate team claimed one gold, three silvers and six bronzes.
“The head of the federation has instructed all sportspersons to train harder at their associations and clubs. They should take part in training and sparring sessions on a regular basis,” said Chamroeun.
“We are determined to improve their abilities and develop the sport of karate, so the management and coaching staff of each of the Kingdom’s clubs need to put their best efforts forward to lead, manage and train the athletes. [Pornmoniroth] is hopeful that the Cambodian team will be able to meet or exceed the results they attained the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh,” he added.
Chamroeun also offered his appreciation to the federation officials, the referees and judges for their excellent, balanced work at the tournament, noting that it had gone smoothly and culminated in success.
“What was especially good to see were the consistent improvements we have made year on year. As we have gained a better understanding of competition rules and sporting ethnics, we have eliminated many problems,” he said.
“Our national karate team has played a huge part in raising the profile of the federation. They have adhered to the highest standards of good sportsmanship. As we all know, dignified respect for sporting ethics is one of the main principles behind the development of the Kingdom’s sporting sector,” he added.
He noted that this year’s national karate championships saw more entrants than ever before. According to the official figures from the organising committee, 130 male and 93 female competitors from 25 clubs and associations entered the event. Ninety five other delegates – including coaches, leaders and technical officials – were also present.
The 223 athletes contested 43 events, ranging from kata performances to age and weight class tests of combat.
At the conclusion of the January 11-14 championships, it was the Ministry of Interior’s team who topped the medal table, with 11 gold, 10 silver and five bronze medals.
The team from the finance ministry took second place, winning seven gold, five silvers and 10 bronzes. The Hanuman Karate-Do Club stood on the third step of the team podium, with four gold, seven silvers and nine bronzes, while the remaining clubs collected the remaining medals.
