The History of the Khmer Boxing, which was completed earlier this year by local author and former vice president of the Cambodia National Tourist Authority Rath Sandab, will hit the shelves of local bookstores in the coming weeks.

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The 227-page edition has garnered praise from King Father Norodom Sihanouk, who sent a letter to Rath Sandab from his current base in Beijing.

“I’m deeply grateful and give warm praise for this work, which you have tried so hard to research and compose to document the History of the Khmer Boxing and highlight our national heritage,” wrote the former monarch.

The first of four chapters focuses on the Cambodian people and their history, the relation between people and nature, and the foundations of martial arts in Cambodian tradition.

In the second chapter, the author notes how the strength of the Khmer Empire was unrivalled for a time thanks to the use of martial arts in national institutions.

Khmer boxing, ancient and modern, is discussed in the remaining chapters.

While the initial print run will be only in Cambodian language, an English translation may be produced in the near future.

To contact the reporter on this story: Yeun Ponlok at [email protected]