Main sponsors of the Cambodia’s Davis Cup Mission to Doha, NagaWorld, categorically announced yesterday that the doors for partnership with the national tennis team are open for next year’s Asia Oceania Group III campaign.

{jathumbnail}

NagaWorld’s vice-president of events, promotions and entertainment Rajesh Kumar, who was one of the Cambodian delegates present in Doha during last week’s Group IV series, dropped a broad hint that the entertainment and gaming sector leaders were keen on keeping the winning partnership going.

“It is too early to take any firm stand but I see no reason why it should not continue. There is plenty of time on both sides to work this out,” he told the Post on the sidelines of a media meet organised by the Tennis Federation of Cambodia in the wake of the national team’s success.

Describing Cambodia’s promotion to Group III as a game changer, Rajesh Kumar complimented all the members of the team for rising above expectations to deliver the country’s biggest success on the international stage.

“You have made Cambodia proud. You have made NagaWorld proud,” he added.

National Olympic Committee of Cambodia Secretary General Vath Chamroeun said Cambodia’s Davis Cup success could well translate into a gold medal opportunity at the SEA Games in Myanmar next year.

“The tennis team could well answer our long felt desire for medals in team sports,” he said.

“We have realised that it is time for Cambodia to tap sports talent among the young Cambodians living abroad so that the Cambodian sports could be strengthened.”

Non-playing captain Tep Rithivit presented Rajesh Kumar with Cambodia’s official match shirt signed by all the members of the winning team as a souvenir to mark the Federation’s partnership with NagaWorld.

“It came down to splendid teamwork. The coach, the players worked so hard to reach this goal in Doha. We continue to work with the same level of zest,” Tep Rithivit, who is also TFC Secretary General, told members of the media yesterday.

“Initially I was very nervous. I didn’t play well in the Vietnam Futures, but in Doha I felt differently. I thought I must do my best for the country and thankfully I did well,” said Bun Kenny, who like his other singles pivot Mam Panhara remained unbeaten in all the five fixtures.

The Mam brothers – Panhara and Vetu – said they were honoured to play for the Kingdom and looked forward to being part of the 2013 Group III campaign.

Homegrown talent Long Samneang, the fourth and the youngest player at 16 years of age, noted: “It was indeed a great experience to be part of the team.”

A short film featuring Cambodia’s Mission to Doha was screened at the conference. The film contained selected clips from Cambodia’s successive wins against Singapore, Qatar, Myanmar, Jordan and Turkmenistan from April 16-21.

The triumphant team returned home on Sunday.

To contact the reporter on this story: H S Manjunath at [email protected]