Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 5, 2023: The Kingdom of Wonder lived up to its billing as Cambodia hosted a memorable and celebratory opening ceremony festival of SEA Games 32 at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on Friday night.
In front of a packed and passionate crowd of 60,000, organising committee CAMSOC put on a wondrous show that harked back to the ancient Khmer culture and forward to a vibrant and modern “Kampuchea” ready to rise in the region and beyond.
There were also a couple of references to the genocidal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge which ended in 1979 after tearing the country asunder, and how the Kingdom had recovered through peace and regional cooperation and support.
The costumes and choreography were dazzling, as were the lighting, sound and extravagant props – with every scene being greeted by thunderous applause and gasps of awe from the proud onlookers.
The parade of nations was led by Brunei Darussalam, followed by Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam. These 10 countries had been restricted to 50 marching delegates only – and the excitement and anticipation built to a crescendo before the host nation entered the arena with a huge, purple-clad contingent to create a deafening roar.
The Chairman of the SEA Games Federation Council, Dr. Thong Khon, thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia and the people for their help in hosting the SEA Games for the first time since the event’s inception in 1959 – 64 years ago.
He announced that 10,890 athletes, officials, coaches and other participants were representing the 11 countries, and that the slogan “Sports: Live in Peace” reflected the unity and stability of the SEA region.
“Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 global pandemic, South East Asia has managed to organise not one SEA Games but two – the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam in 2022 and the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023,” said Dr. Thong, who is President of NOC Cambodia and the Minister of Tourism.
“Thanks to the support of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, Cambodia’s dream of 64 years becomes a reality.”
Deputy Prime Minister Tea Banh, Chairman of CAMSOC, said the 32nd SEA Games were taking place at a time of peace and development and gave Cambodia the chance to boost tourism through its unique Khmer culture and foster deep relations between countries.
He described the 32nd SEA Games as the “Cambodia Free Games” due to the Royal Government paying for all accommodation, logistics and food for the visiting delegations, and providing free tickets for the public, including the opening ceremony on May 5 and closing ceremony on May 17, as well as free TV broadcasting rights.
The Deputy PM called on the people to create “an extraordinary force” to welcome the visitors, and described the SEA Games hosting as a new historical event for the Kingdom.
IOC First Vice President Ng Ser Miang of Singapore presented a commemorative medal on behalf of the IOC to Prime Minister Hun Sen, who declared the 32nd SEA Games open.
Cambodia's first Asian Games champion, taekwondo star Sorn Seavmey at Incheon 2014, lit the cauldron at the end of a torch relay which had crossed all 11 SEA countries.
