Following its annual congress last Thursday, the Cambodian Triathlon Federation has released its revised calendar of events for 2013, beginning with the second Phnom Penh International Duathlon, slated for April 28 at Diamond Island, and culminating in the inaugural international triathlon in Sihanoukville on December 15.

Other proposed races include the second CTF Aquathlon at the Olympic Stadium pool and grounds of the National Sports Complex on May 19, the second CCC Aquathlon on June 2 at the Cambodian Country Club and the inaugural Angkor Wat International Duathlon in Siem Reap on October 27.

The federation had been forced to cancel the Angkor Wat Duathlon and the inaugural triathlon, which was to have been held in conjunction with the 2012 Sea Festival in Kep, out of respect for the passing of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

But it is confident of hosting all five competitions before the end of this year, as well as a national championship in October organised by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and another triathlon to be run as part of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia’s 2013 Sea Festival in early December.

Strong ties with numerous ministries of the Royal Government have been forged, with the Ministry of Information signed up to help organise the April 23 Duathlon and the Ministry of Environment agreeing to assist at the Sihanoukville triathlon.

The Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health have also pledged their support, as the CTF looks to ink sponsorship deals with local and international companies to help fund its activities.

Last week’s congress was presided over by Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, who has been named honorary president of the federation.

Kong Rithy Chup retains his position as president, while Van Vichet and Men Sokha have been installed as vice-presidents.

Deputy general secretary Nhem Sophea rounds off the list of new names at the organisation.        

“I feel very happy that H.E. Khieu Kanharith has accepted to be our honorary president, as he has supported our federation since the beginning,” Kong Rithy Chup told the Post.

“I really do hope that this year, the Ministry of Information will push this national, popular sport to the next level... I also feel very comfortable with my new team. They are volunteers – talented and eager to work with me – so the new CTF swears to push for more training for our athletes in 2013, to search for more sponsors to fulfil our 2013 targets and to be prepared for the next competitions in [the region].”

The president noted that the sport’s world governing body, the International Triathlon Union (ITU), and the regional body, the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC), had been in contact.

“The ITU and ASTC said by email that they are interested about the CTF’s plans and they are considering a visit to Cambodia this year and maybe to join one of our competitions,” he said.

Currently, seven triathlon clubs are affiliated with the federation, including those of the Ministry of Information, PSE, Human Resources, Mith Samlanh, Rithysen, Wat Phnom and Takhmao.

“We expect in the future to be able to have one triathlon club per province in order to promote this popular sport with the public and especially with the students, in co-operation with the Ministry of Education,” the CTF chief said.