After months of sweat and toil on and off the tennis courts to keep themselves absolutely fighting fit, the Cambodian Davis Cup squad turned for a traditional spiritual lift in the coastal town of Kep as the the Asia Oceania Group III Campaign in Iran draws closer.

The six members of the Tehran-bound team, Captain Tep Rithivit, coach Braen Aneiros, along with players Bun Kenny, Panhara Mam, Phalkun Mam and Long Samneang, visited the Kampoul Phnom Kep, a famous nunnery atop a mountain to offer prayers and seek divine blessings before their quest for Cup success begins in Tehran in two weeks.

‘It doesn’t matter what you believe in, be it Buddhism or Christianity, this trip and the visit to Kampoul Phnom Kep is more of a spiritual tradition,’ secretary-general of Tennis Cambodia and Captain of the Davis Cup squad Tep Rithivit said. ‘It’s something we have started and have done religiously before competition abroad, and it’s something we will continue to do long into the future.’