The Wushu competition at the recent 3rd National Games. CHHORN NORN
The Cambodia Wushu Federation (CWF) said its selection panel will use the results of the recent 3rd National Games to select six additional athletes for the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Nine team members are currently undergoing training in China.
Although the Wushu competition attracted a smaller audience than some other events, CWF secretary- general Mao Chanta Vuth said the abilities of the competitors had clearly grown.
“Through the 3rd National Games 2022, we were able to identify the sporting men and women who will have what it takes to compete at next year’s games,” he told The Post.
A federation report said the November 22-27 event attracted entrants from six provincial and ministerial clubs. The tournament featured 15 disciplines.
According to the report, the Ministry of Interior topped the medal table with six gold medals and six bronze. Kampot province took second, winning four gold, one silver and one bronze. Preah Vihear rounded out the podium places, taking two gold, five silver and four bronze. Siem Reap claimed fourth, with two gold and four bronze medals. Pailin claimed one gold and seven bronze to secure fifth, while Kandal was last in the medal tally, coming home with one silver and five bronze medals.
Chanta Vuth said the selection team would examine the condition of their chosen players to ensure they were ready to make the commitment needed to undergo the last five months of intense training.
“While the core members of the team are already honing their skills abroad, we will select an additional six to join them in chasing medals at the 2023 SEA Games,” he added.
Mao Sophal, deputy head of the interior ministry’s General Secretariat of Sports Council, presided over the November 27 Wushu closing ceremony at the national games.
He said the fighters had competed with such passion and strong will that he was sure they would make the Kingdom proud.
“Throughout the five days of this competition, all of our Wushu practitioners showed that they had what it takes to step up their training in preparation for next year’s games. I do not envy the selection panel their work,” he added.
He offered his encouragement to the coaching staff, saying it was up to them to channel the passion of their fighters into medals.
“Now that these games are done, I hope and believe that our instructors will strive to train our sports men and women even harder, so they can challenge the best in the region for SEA Games medals,” he said.
