The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, in cooperation with NagaWorld and Angkor Beer, hosted a “Send Off Dinner” party for 285 athletes and other delegates bound for Myanmar and the 27th SEA Games next month at the NagaWorld ballroom on Sunday night.

NOCC president and Tourism Minister Thong Khon presided over the event and revealed that the prize money for medals had been increased.

An individual gold medalist would now receive 40 million riel ($10,000) as part of the government’s subdecree to reward international sporting success.

They would also collect $3,000 from Prime Minister Hun Sen, $3,000 from NagaWorld and $6,000 from Angkor Beer.

NOCC secretary- general Vath Chamrouen told the Post that further bonuses would likely push the total bounty to $24,000. With Naga only endorsing golds, the drop in cash for silver medalists is substantial at $13,500, while bronze medals are expected to earn $7,000.

Team medals are also set for a big increase in prize fund. Coaches will get the same amount as their athletes and assistant coaches will bank 70 per cent of the dividends.