Cambodia’s volleyball team plays against the Philippines during at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam last year. PHOTO SUPPLIED
The Volleyball Federation of Cambodia (VFC) and the national organising committees for the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games have redrawn lots for the men’s indoor volleyball competition at the biennial multi-sports events, following a delayed entry by the Philippines team.
The original due date was March 5 before being extended to March 24 to allow the Philippines to organise their registration, but they still failed to register by the revised deadline.
As a result, the VFC draw was made on April 5. Cambodia was joined in Pool A by former gold medallists Indonesia and Singapore, while Pool B consisted of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar.
Despite the expiration of the deadline for registration, the Philippines announced their intention to compete at the event.
Following consultation with the Olympic councils of Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia, the VFC eventually redrew Pool A to include the late entry.
“By allowing their entry, we have reinforced Cambodia’s dedication to ensuring that the games are open to all eligible entrants. The draw was transparent and just, so the athletes of all eight participating nations should feel welcomed to an inclusive and just event,” said VFC secretary-general Aing Serey Piseth.
“Obviously, diplomats and representatives of all participating countries were present for the draw, just as they were at the earlier April 5 occasion, to ensure the fairness of the draw,” he added.
He warned that the inclusion of the Philippines team in Pool A may render the Kingdom’s path to the podium tougher, as they now have to make it through three qualifying matches.
Cambodia lost 3-1 to Indonesia in the semi-finals of the most recent SEA Games, held in Vietnam last May after Indonesia transferred its hosting rights the year prior due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They were able to overcome the Philippines by the same margin in a pool game. The Cambodian team has defeated the Singaporean in their last two meetings, both international friendlies.
“When it comes to sports psychology, our athletes are pleased to meet opposition they know they have beaten before, but it is important to remember that in the past two years, all of the participating nations have been training intensely, just as we have been. I think that every one of the eight nations will be competitive this year,” said Serey Piseth.
“We cannot underestimate any of our opponents, because the quality of indoor volleyball across ASEAN is generally of a high standard. I believe the fact that so many nations appear to be on par with one another will make the competition the most exciting yet,” he added.
With that being said, he did not feel there was too much pressure on the Kingdom’s team, who were bronze medallists at the most recent games.
The opening match of their campaign will see them take on Singapore on May 3.
“On behalf of all the players, we are confident, but we do not underestimate our opponents. When it comes to the Philippines, we know we need to be prepared for a tough match. I believe we have done that preparation. Make no mistake, our goal is to stand on the top of the podium,” he said.
