The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia has drawn up plans to open three provincial sports centres as part of its strategic roadmap in preparation for the 2023 SEA Games, which the Kingdom will be hosting for the first time.

The three regions shortlisted are Kampong Cham, Siem Reap and a yet to be specified location in the southwest.

“The main thrust behind setting up of these provincial centres is to help aspiring athletes from these regions train without having to travel a lot.

It also helps us in monitoring their progress and identifying emerging talent,” NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun said on Monday.

In Kampong Cham, the NOCC is likely to use the former Provincial Stadium for the new centre.

A part of that old facility has already been turned into the $2 million Techo Sen Swimming Center recently unveiled by the prime minister.