During the three days of the 2024 Khmer New Year celebrations, a goodwill demonstration of Khun Bokator, one of Cambodia's oldest martial arts, attracted national attention.
Our Dara, Deputy Secretary General of the Cambodian Khun Bokator Federation, said in an exclusive interview with Khmer Times yesterday afternoon that the federation is cooperating with several Khun Bokator training clubs in many provinces, especially He said demonstration matches and friendly matches were held in remote areas. Contribute to the spread and preservation of ancient Cambodian martial arts.
“We strive to raise awareness of Kun Bokator among the general public and future generations. New Year celebrations are a great opportunity to showcase Kun Bokator. I hope this will continue to promote martial arts to people living in the country,” Dara told the Khmer Times.
“We are confident that in the New Year celebrations next year, everyone, especially the young people, will show more support. As I have noticed, more and more young Cambodians are learning about this martial art. They are starting to understand and respect the value,” he added.
He further said that in addition to New Year's celebrations, Khun Bokator demonstrations have also been held during various celebratory events, including Pchum Ben, Cambodia's main annual religious festival. .
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and the Cambodia Khun Bokator Federation have worked hard to bring the sport to a wide domestic and international audience by incorporating martial arts into major sporting events.
Khun Bokator was one of three traditional Cambodian sports represented at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games held in Cambodia last May. Cambodia's Khun Bokator fighter performed well at the SEA Games, winning a total of 18 medals.
Other Cambodian-inspired events include Khun Khmer and Ork Chakchan, traditional Khmer chess.
Cambodia has maintained its momentum since the 32nd SEA Games. Both Kun Bokator and Kun Khmer have aroused the curiosity of martial arts fans at home and abroad.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) plans to include Khun Bokator in the 5th Asian Youth Games (AYG) to be held in Cambodia in 2029. However, it is currently not certain whether this sport will be officially added to the competition.
On November 29, 2022, Kung Bocatl was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“We are proud of the Cambodian people and recognize that it is our generation's responsibility to preserve and encourage this ancient martial art. We have a responsibility to protect it,” the Kun Bocatl Federation said.
