Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 14, 2023: The Olympic movement’s fight against doping in sport never ends – and this is particularly in evidence at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia.
The Cambodia Anti-Doping Committee is taking the opportunity to promote their work with a designated tent at the Sports Village next to the Morodok Techo National Stadium and sports complex – the hub of the SEA Games.
Doping Control Officer and Medical and Anti-Doping official Prum Vannaroeun is in charge of the operation at the SEA Games, and believes education is the key to success in the fight against doping.
This is why several of the official booklets have been translated into Khmer to give the local athletes a big help in their careers – and hopefully avoid any issues in the future.
“We are providing information in Khmer and English so that the athletes know all about the prohibited substances and the dangers and effects of doping,” Prum said.
“These include the World Anti-Doping Agency Code and the Doping Handbook of the 32nd SEA Games organizing committee.”
The anti-doping initiatives at the Sports Village include an online WADA quiz for athletes to join in – and receive prizes for their answers – as well as expert advice from Prum and his team.
“I have found that some countries don’t know too much about anti-doping but others understand it very well,” added Prum.
“I have worked in the Cambodia Anti-Doping Agency since 2016 and have been in charge of education since 2018. We work in partnership with the Japan Anti-Doping Agency and Korea Anti-Doping Agency and with all the countries in southeast Asia – and education is the most important aspect of anti-doping.
“This is why we have translated the booklets into Khmer to help educate our own athletes about issues they might not be aware of.”
