Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron, who is the head of the Cambodian Taekwondo Federation (CTF), offered his congratulations on the smooth running of all Taekwondo events at this year’s 3rd National Games and first Para Games. He said all events had ended successfully on November 27.

He encouraged all of federation members who were involved – especially the winning athletes – to continue to train hard in preparation for next year’s SEA Games, which will be hosted by the Kingdom.

“I extend my thanks to head coach Choi Yongsok and all of the match officials and coaching staff who participated. I value the work that they have done to make sure their abilities were up to the standards such an event demanded. Its success is a clear indicator that we are prepared for the 2023 SEA Games,” he said.

“I encourage all sportsmen and sportswomen to train hard, so they will be able to earn as many medals as possible at the upcoming games,” he added.

He hoped that thanks to his encouragement, the nation’s fighters would strive to lift their performances at the games.

In a report, Chrin Sothea, secretary-general of the CTF, said that Taekwondo had brought together 133 sporting delegates and representatives from several ministries and departments from the capital and provinces at the National Games. They had competed in 20 events.

Visiting the event at the National Stadium on November 24, Sothea said that it was clear that each athlete was doing their very best to best their opponent and claim a title.

“The Taekwondo competition at the 3rd National Games 2022 ran smoothly and ended successfully. The event was an excellent way of assessing the progress of the Kingdom’s elite competitors, and also served as an opportunity for the national team’s selection panel to firm up their final choices ahead of the SEA Games,” said his report.

During the four-day Taekwondo competition, fighters from the Ministry of Interior took first place, winning 10 gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. The Ministry of National Defence took second place, with three gold and five silver. Battambang provincial athletes claimed third, with a haul of two gold, three silver and three bronze.

Kampong Cham province took fourth, winning two gold, one silver, and four bronze, followed by Prey Veng, who returned home with two gold, one silver and two bronze. Pailin claimed a single gold and a single bronze, placing it ahead of Banteay Meanchey, with three silvers and four bronzes. Siem Reap province won three silver and three bronze. Phnom Penh won one silver medal and six bronze medals, while Tbong Khmum and Kampot each claimed one silver. Kandal took three bronzes, with Mondulkiri the only club that remained medal-less.