The 2014 National Wrestling Championships concluded its five days of grappling action at the indoor hall of Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, with newly formed Phnom Penh Club grabbing the most medals out of the eight clubs competing in freestyle, Greco-Roman and traditional Cambodian wrestling events.

Phnom Penh Club was founded by Casey Barnett, who is also vice president of the Cambodian Wrestling Federation and President of CamEd Business School. Through it 20 members, including six females, the club won six gold medals, seven silvers and six bronzes, compared with Ministry of Interior Club’s haul of four golds, four silvers and 14 bronzes.

Baramey Moeurn Ek finished third on four golds, three silvers and a bronze. CWF secretary- general Thin Vichet said: “Everything seems better [this year]. Some new players from Phnom Penh Club could even defeat our national team athletes.

That is the good sign for the 2023 SEA Games [in Cambodia].” The secretary noted that Barnett had personally donated $50 to all clubs coming from the province towards transport costs, and $25 to those based in the capital, while also boosting the cash prizes awarded from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport to medal winners.

Gold medals were worth 300,000 riels ($75) and a $300 bonus from Barnett, while silvers received 250,000 riels and $200 extra. Broznes got 150,000 riels and a $100 Barnett bonus.