The Cambodian Hapkido delegation poses with the leaders of the delegations of other nations at the ASEAN Hapkido Championship in Indonesia. CHF
The Cambodian Hapkido team has concluded its participation in the 2nd Southeast Asia Hapkido Championship 2025 in Indonesia with an impressive haul of 23 medals: 4 gold, 7 silver and 12 bronze.
Over the two-day June 14-15 competition, the Kingdom’s athletes surprised the other eight participating nations by winning medals in almost every category. What was particularly remarkable was that all 11 Cambodian team members each earned at least one medal.
“Before the competition, we hoped for 2 to 3 gold medals, which would have been enough to confirm our technical ability compared to some countries. But we actually took home 4 gold along with many silver and bronze. It was incredibly exciting,” said Kong Chanthyna, secretary-general of the Cambodian Hapkido Federation (CHF), speaking from Indonesia.
“We achieved results beyond expectations, and our strong performance left other countries astonished — especially since our athletes rarely get the chance to compete abroad,” he added.
Among Cambodia’s impressive medal haul, standout athlete Kongmona Jassica won medals in three disciplines: 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Her sister Kongmona Daiana won 1 gold and 1 bronze, while their older brother Kongmona Mithora won 2 silver medals.
CHF secretary-general Kong Chanthyna stands in front of the podium as Cambodia is awarded one of its four gold medals. CHF
Young athlete Sokhon Seyhanuth also claimed three medals: a gold in sparring, and two bronze in long jump and breaking events. Another gold medal came from Phin Munnyrath, who won in the long jump category and also earned a silver in sparring.
Reflecting on the team's success, Chanthyna remarked that some countries didn’t even know Cambodia had a Hapkido programme, yet the team’s strong performance garnered admiration.
“Some countries were astonished because they didn’t know Cambodia practiced Hapkido. But when they saw our team’s performance, their representatives were amazed and praised us — especially the Indonesian hosts, who have developed this sport significantly,” said Chanthyna, who also serves as head coach of the federation.
He credited much of the team’s progress to the leadership of Sao Senghak, president of the federation.
“Under his guidance, especially through his personal financial support, the development of Hapkido in Cambodia has been steadily advancing. He’s been instrumental in enabling our team to compete internationally,” he said.
Before the team appeared at the 2024 World I.H.F Hapkido Championship 2024 in Thailand , it had been more than 30 years since they had competed internationally.
