PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s Pencak Silat team made an impressive debut at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, securing a total of 12 medals, including one gold and one silver.
The Cambodia team’s success is even more remarkable considering it was their first-ever participation in the event. The games brought together over 5,000 athletes from 11 countries to compete in various sports.
The Pencak Silat competition at the 2023 SEA Games commenced on May 6 at the Khan Chroy Changvar Convention Centre (Hall E) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Nine countries took part in the medal race, including the host nation, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Laos.
Cambodian athlete Soem Sokdevid emerged victorious in the Men’s Artistic Tunggal (single) event, scoring 9.95 points and winning the gold medal for Cambodia. Sokdevid triumphed over his Malaysian opponent Muhammad Khairul Shaddad Ardi, who won the silver medal with a score of 9.93.
Sokdevid’s journey to gold began with a win against Thai competitor Ilyas Sadara in round 1/8, followed by a semi-final victory against Singaporean Muhammad Iqbal Abdul Rahman. Abdul Rahman went on to receive a bronze medal.
Non-Sromoachkroham, another Cambodian athlete, earned a gold medal for Cambodia in the Men’s Tanding Class U45 (45kg & below) event.
Sromoachkroham defeated his Indonesian opponent Bayu Lesmana, who took home the silver medal, with a final score of 20-0. In the semi-final, Sromoachkroham faced off against Malaysian athlete Muhammad Khairul Shaddad Ardi, securing another victory with a 20-0 score. Ardi ultimately received a bronze medal for his efforts.
The Cambodian team has also earned an impressive 10 bronze medals in various categories of martial arts.
Some of these victories include Heng Chandy and Loch Oudom in the Men’s Double category, Phoen Sreyneang and Son Sothea in the Women’s Doubles category, Chea Sarith and Chhuoy Silath.
Meanwhile, Nok Sokea in the Men’s Team category, Siv Chheng, Chun Reaksa, and Ham Dalin in the Women’s Team category, Vorn Soksreymompisal, Chhim Rachhat, and At Chandy in the Men’s Tanding Class A, B, and D, and Chourn Sotheara, Phyrom Moniroth, and Kun Vanita in the Women’s Tanding Class A, B, and D.
The Cambodian Pencak Silat team’s accomplishment at the 2023 SEA Games is a significant milestone for the country.
Their success showcased Cambodia’s potential in the world of martial arts, particularly in the traditional Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat.
The team trained in Indonesia for six months before returning to Cambodia for another month of training leading up to the SEA Games.
The 2023 SEA Games brought together athletes from 11 countries to compete in various sports for gold medals.
The medal table was ordered by the number of gold, silver, and bronze medals won by each National Olympic Committee. The sporting events include a diverse range of sports such as athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, and weightlifting.
The host country, Cambodia, proudly secured 12 medals in the Pencak Silat discipline, with Indonesia taking the top spot in the medal table. Remarkably, the 2023 SEA Games marked Cambodia’s first-ever participation in Pencak Silat. The Cambodian team performed outstandingly, securing one gold, one silver, and ten bronze medals across various disciplines.
The ASEAN Para Games for athletes with disabilities were also held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium from June 3rd to 9th, 2023. The games featured athletes from 11 countries competing in a wide range of sports, including athletics, badminton, chess, and swimming.
The 2023 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games brought together over 5,000 athletes from Southeast Asia, highlighting the region’s strong sporting culture and passion for competition. The events showcased the athletes’ dedication and hard work, as well as their respective countries’ potential in various sports.
Overall, Cambodia’s impressive performance in the Pencak Silat discipline at the 2023 SEA Games is a significant achievement for the country.
The team’s success highlights their dedication and potential in the world of martial arts, and their victories will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Cambodian athletes.
