Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 24, 2021: The Olympic sports movement in Cambodia and southeast Asia is in mourning for the loss of a popular member of the sports medical community, Dr. Sderng Chea.
Dr. Chea passed away on Monday, March 22 at the age of 75. According to the Ministry of Health, the retired doctor was admitted to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital on Sunday with a lung infection and died the next day from complications related to COVID-19 – the fourth such case recorded in the Kingdom.
The President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Dr. Thong Khon, and Secretary General Vath Chamroeun led the tributes for the Chairman of the NOCC’s Medical and Sports Science Committee.
The organising committee of the 32nd SEA Games Cambodia 2023 (CAMSOC) reported that leading sports dignitaries around the region, including IOC Vice President Ng Ser Miang of Singapore, and senior government officials had paid their respects and sent condolences to the late doctor’s family and friends, while praising his work in society.
Tributes also came from Gen. Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence and President of CAMSOC, and the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, Dr. Hang Chuon Naron.
The Southeast Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisation said they were “deeply saddened” by the passing of the former SEARADO Board member from Cambodia.
“The late Prof. Chea always had a deep interest in the fight against doping and was instrumental in drafting the first Cambodia Anti-Doping Rules, leading to the setting up of the Cambodia Anti-Doping Agency,” said Mr. Gobi Nair, Director General, SEARADO.
“Even after retiring he continued to have an interest in the development of anti-doping and, when the situation permitted, always arranged to catch up. He will be missed and may he Rest in Peace. SEARADO’s deepest condolences to his family.”