July 16, 2024
Phnom Penh Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the launch of a new mixed martial arts tournament that will be held every October starting this year.
He made the announcement while presiding over the opening ceremony of the 2nd Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championships (AMMA Championships) at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on July 11.
He explained that while the October event will be similar to other AMMA competitions, it will feature a broader range of Cambodia's unique fighting system and will be uniquely Khmer.
Manet acknowledged that while Cambodian athletes take part in many international mixed martial arts competitions, including wrestling, boxing, Kun Khmer, taekwondo, karate and judo, it remains important to showcase Cambodia’s unique fighting styles and show the broad diversity of Khmer martial arts to the next generation of Cambodians and foreigners.
“Khmer traditional martial arts are diverse with many different forms and styles. I have outlined guidelines for the establishment of the event, which will be held every October starting this year. Practitioners of all forms and styles of martial arts in the Kingdom will have the opportunity to showcase their skills to the public and each other,” he said.
“The competition will be open to a wide range of participants, including civil servants and members of the armed forces. Foreigners can also participate. I have also recommended the establishment of a centre specialising in the study of our traditional martial arts,” he added.
The Prime Minister called on all athletes competing in the AMMA Championships, as well as the public who enjoy practicing or watching martial arts, to get ready to take part in or support the inaugural Khmer Games, which begins on October 1.
He believed the annual tournament would attract a wide range of competitors with different styles and expected many new athletes from the wider world of martial arts to take part.
“This competition is similar to AMMA, but only traditional Khmer martial arts such as Kun Lebokator, Kula Krab and Sra Nge Pen will be competed in. The event is open to all competitors so we encourage many athletes to participate. Foreigners are welcome but must know Khmer martial arts,” he explained.
He encouraged foreign fighters to compete in the event, noting that as it is a mixed martial arts tournament, fighters of different styles will be pitted against each other, unlike previous Khmer martial arts tournaments where fighters were separated by fighting style.
“By hosting an MMA-style event, we are giving people the opportunity to see all kinds of Cambodian martial arts in action,” he added.
The second AMMA Championship will see the participation of 233 delegates and athletes from 18 countries including host country Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Macau, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Maneh noted that the peace, political stability and economic growth enjoyed by the Kingdom have enabled the government to pay close attention to the development of sports and provide better facilities for the public.
These favorable conditions have led to many athletes achieving excellent results in major international sporting competitions and a dramatic increase in participation among the general public in sports, which now plays a major role in Cambodian society.
“Sport is increasingly attracting attention and support from people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or political stance,” Mane explained.
“Sporting events are more than just competitions. They are an opportunity to promote tourism, culture, the economy and the reputation of our countries. They also contribute to strengthening the bonds of solidarity and friendship among the participating countries,” he added.
