SEA Games medalists received their cash bonuses in accordance with the government’s sub-decree on international sporting success during an awards ceremony held at the Technology Institute of Cambodia on Tuesday.

A total 936 million riels (US$232,000) was administered by Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An, while the meeting was chaired by Education, Youth and Sports Minister Em Sithy.

The sub-decree, ratified on 22 February, 2008, states that gold medal winners, including those in team events, are entitled to 24 million riels each, while silvers earn 16 million riels and bronzes 8 million riels.

Head coaches are also granted the equivalent cash prize of their sport’s highest medal, while assistant coaches receive 70 per cent of this amount.

“They all really tried hard to win medals for Cambodia,” said Men Sam Orn of the athletes, after watching a video montage of some of their exploits in Indonesia.