Hun Manet: US-Cambodia matches ‘great promotional opportunity’
Hun Manet: US-Cambodia matches ‘great promotional opportunity’
Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the upcoming matches between Cambodian and American fighters — featuring a title bout and international friendlies — as a great opportunity to promote Kun Khmer and Cambodia to the world.
The event, comprising five mouth-watering matchups, will take place on Friday night, within the Angkor Archaeological Park, in Siem Reap province.
The prime minister met with a delegation made up of Cambodian and US athletes and coaching staff – led by Town TV’s Va Sothea – at the Peace Palace on March 25.
The Cambodian government has a long-term vision for Kun Khmer, which has led to strong support for the sport both domestically and internationally. Sothea noted that Kun Khmer has gained widespread recognition across the world.
He also informed Manet about preparations for this weekend’s “Techo Santepheap” World Kun Khmer Championship bout between Cambodian superstar Theoun Theara and American kickboxer Max Crus, as well as the four international friendlies between Cambodian and US fighters.
Friday night’s bouts are being organised in collaboration with World Championship Kickboxing (WCK) and will be broadcast live in the US.
The prime minister praised Town TV for their collaboration with the WCK, noting that the event is “an excellent opportunity to promote and elevate the spirit of Kun Khmer as well as to showcase Cambodia to the world”.
Manet also highlighted the richness of Cambodia’s traditional martial arts and commended WCK for its interest in Kun Khmer, noting that the sport is not just a form of self-defence or combat but also a bridge for building friendships.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Kun Khmer, including its official inclusion of Kun Lbokator in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list and its integration of various martial arts — including Lbokator, Yuthkrom Khorm and Kun Khmer — into the Kingdom’s military training.
Manet also expressed his desire to see Kun Khmer training and instruction expand to more countries worldwide. He encouraged Town TV to continue working with international boxing organisations to stage more international competitions to further promote Kun Khmer.
On the same morning, the US and Kun Khmer delegations also met with Deputy Prime Minister Thong Khon, president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).
Khon offered a warm welcome to Dennis Warner, president of the WCK, on his visit to Cambodia, the birthplace of Kun Khmer.
“I am delighted to meet you today, and we sincerely appreciate your support for Kun Khmer. I also want to thank Town TV, the International Kun Khmer Federation, the Cambodian Kun Khmer Boxing Federation and the WCK for collaborating to organise this remarkable event at Angkor Wat — a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of Kun Khmer,” he said.
He noted that Kun Khmer has a history spanning thousands of years and encouraged Warner and the American fighters to explore the bas reliefs of the Bayon and Angkor Wat temples and learn more about the history of Kun Khmer.
Source : Phnom Penh Post
