Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 4, 2023: The Chairman of the South East Asian Games Federation Council, Dr. Thong Khon, believes the upcoming 32nd SEA Games will strengthen unity and friendship among the 11 countries of the region.
During his opening address at the SEA Games Federation Council meeting on Thursday, Dr. Thong thanked the National Olympic Committees for their support of Cambodia in hosting the SEA Games for the first time since the regional showpiece was inaugurated in 1959 – 64 years ago.
“The SEA Games is not only a major sporting event in Southeast Asia, but also a festival that showcases solidarity, unity and friendship, where cultural exchanges take place among our countries and people in the region,” said Dr. Thong, who is President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
“The hosting of this SEA Games edition reflects Cambodia’s commitment and generosity – such as free accommodation, tickets, visa entries and broadcasting rights – to the regional sports movement and development as one of the active and responsible members.”
According to a SEA Games official, the 11 NOCs have registered a total of 5,053 athletes, most of whom are staying in the new Sports Village next to the Morodok Techo National Stadium complex.
Dr. Thong explained that Cambodia had been preparing to host the 32nd SEA Games for 10 years and had overcome major challenges caused by the pandemic thanks to the support of the Royal Government of Cambodia under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, and the unified support of all SEA countries.
“The Games comprise 36 sports and 579 events and one demonstration sport (teqball). The majority of the sports are played in the Asian Games and Olympic Games,” he added.
“We hope that, through this SEA Games 2023, our Southeast Asian athletes will compete and achieve higher results in future editions of the Asian Games and Olympic Games.”
*The First Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, Ng Ser Miang of Singapore, delivered the best wishes of IOC President Thomas Bach for the success of the SEA Games, which will run from May 5-17.
*The SEA Games Federation Council, with three delegates from each of the 11 NOCs, heard that the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025 would take place in three provinces – Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla in the south of the country – at the end of November or beginning of December. Bangkok and Chonburi/Pattaya will co-host the OCA’s Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games this November.
*The SEA Games schedule then goes to Malaysia 2027, Singapore 2029, Laos 2031 and Philippines 2033.
*The SEA Games Federation Council approved the Lifetime Achievement Award – the Order of the Golden Rings – to two long-serving officials: Maj. Gen. Charouck Arirachakaran (NOC Thailand) and Dr. Tan Eng Liang (NOC Singapore).