Kun Khmer boxer Lao Chetra (in red) launches a knee strike at his Vietnamese opponent during the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in May 2023. Hong Menea
The Kun Khmer International Federation (KKIF) and the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), as well as several other relevant parties, are drawing up a code of ethics for the global expansion of the sport.
The code will provide guidelines for how countries around the world can form their own national federations, in order to promote the Kingdom’s national martial art more widely.
The planning was discussed at last week KKIF executive committee meeting, chaired by KKIF head Meam Ra, at the NOCC headquarters in Phnom Penh. After deliberations, the participants agreed to draw up a Kun Khmer code of ethics to pave the way for expanding the sport to the world.
Following the meeting, NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun explained the decision.
“We will draw up a code of ethics that will be put into practice by all members of the Kun Khmer community.
“We will expand this code to the world, so everyone understands that Kun Khmer has a hierarchy. Everyone involved will know what their responsibilities are, and what they can do to prepare for the development of the sport,” he said.
Chamroeun added that several other crucial points – including dispute resolution mechanisms – will also be included in the code for all member countries to practise. Defining common rules and regulations to protect the unique aspects of the martial art will also be a part of the code.
“The Kun Khmer code of ethics will provide clearly organised laws, customs and regulations for the world. In order to manage the growth of the sport, we need to not only make the world accept Kun Khmer but also to expand it ethically,” he said.
“This is why we have made efforts to promote the sport. We want to leave Kun Khmer to the next generation of Cambodians, but in a way where it is growing, stable, sustainable and acceptable to all,” he added.
The KKIF believes the new code will attract additional members to the federation. At present, the KKIF has 54 members. The International Olympic Committee requires more than 75 member nations in order to offer recognition.
Recently, Mongolia asked the KKIF for membership.
“We have rules and statutes for the competitions run by ach federation, but we have yet to define universal laws. The new code of ethics will allow nations around the world to see that we have clear plans in place to promote Kun Khmer across the planet,” said Chamroeun.
