Hosts Malaysia emerged this time as the strongest sporting nation in the region with a Malaysian record haul of 323 medals including an all-time high 145 gold as the 29th edition of the SEA Games was consigned to the flames of history in a fitting end that marked the country’s 60th anniversary of independence at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur last night.

The KL2017 journey, under the theme “Rising Together” to promote Asean unity, was highlighted in a spectacular sights and sound show as the flag was handed over to the Philippines as hosts of the 30th edition two years from now in Manila.

After her gold winning effort in the women’s taekwondo on Tuesday evening, Sorn Seavmey returned to Phnom Penh yesterday along with some teammates and athletes from other disciplines as a small batch of officials and jubilant muay fighters stayed back to attend the closing ceremony.

Cambodia’s final tally of three gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals bettered the Kingdom’s 2015 haul.

The NOCC has claimed its newly introduced digital platform was a big success, with nearly 2 million Cambodians and more than 50,000 living abroad closely following Team Cambodia during the games on various outlets including Facebook, its website and a mobile app.