The Cambodian SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC) have confirmed that the country will set the stage for “spectacular” scenes when it takes on the SEA Games flag from this year’s host Vietnam on May 23.

The committee also expressed its desire to turn the games into a “magnet” to attract ASEAN countries to participate in the multi-sport event in the Kingdom if – or when – it plays host again.

CAMSOC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun said on March 29 that Minister of Tourism Thong Khon had advised him to hold a technical meeting and review preparations for the SEA Games flag reception ceremony in Vietnam at the close of this year’s games, which will be hosted in the capital Hanoi.

“We have gone through the arrangements and preparation with the management many times. Today’s meeting was to expedite what tasks were remaining and to review whether our processes are suitable,” he said.

Chamroeun revealed that he had already visited the venue in Vietnam for the upcoming SEA Games, where he observed the closing ceremony will be held in the indoor stadium, which “provides a favorable set-up for our delegation to greet our 40 performers, as well as 20 coaches and technical officers.”

The secretary- general noted the “extensive” preparations that had been made for what he promises to be an extravagant performance and welcoming of the games. “We need to prepare our staff for this performance with a month of training before leaving [for Hanoi]. Earlier today, we just shot a video to review, to make sure [the performance] is consistent with what was rehearsed.

The performances were held during the inauguration ceremony of Morodok Techo National Stadium on December 18, 2021. Hong Menea

“Our sports executives and mentors have worked hard and taken great care with choreographing and perfecting the performance … with the aim of making these 12-minutes a ‘magnet’ to attract all ASEAN countries and let them look forward to Cambodia’s hosting of the 2023 SEA Games.

Chamroeun gave a sneak preview of what was in store for the Cambodian performance, saying: “We will have a dance that expresses our motto – that sport brings about peace. Scenes of our SEA Games hope to show the ‘spectacle’ of peace.

“We will also have many songs to welcome the countries when they attend the SEA Games in Cambodia. There are plans for a demonstration of Bokator, the sport which represents the national sporting identity, and we’ll also reveal our mascot and logo, informing all countries that in May 2023 … it’s our turn to welcome those countries.

“For this arrangement, we will do our best because … [Minister of National Defence] Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, president of CAMSOC, will participate in receiving the SEA Games flag at the closing ceremony of the games, and host Vietnam will organise a special reception for him,” he said using Tea Banh’s royal title.

“So we want to show we are ready as host and will do our best to hold this sporting event smoothly and safely.”