Khim Bora proudly raises the Cambodian flag after claiming gold on home soil at the 2023 SEA Games. He has missed out on a shot at repeating his win at this year’s games. Supplied
The announcement of the Cambodian national Kun Khmer team for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games in Thailand has raised eyebrows, with ten fighters who won gold at the last SEA Games, held in Cambodia, missing out on spots in the team.
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron signed an education ministry directive which named 12 athletes for the games, which will be held in December.
Among the 12, there was no mention of Chhut Serey Vannthong, Khim Bora, Prom Samnang, Kham Khalaneang, Han Menghong, Lao Chantrea, Roeung Sorphorn, Mab Theara, Him Koemrieng and Khun Laingkousin, all gold medallists, and mots of them still competitive fighters. A number of silver and bronze medallists also failed to make the cut.
The directive named former gold medallists Lao Chetra, Phun Piseth and Moeuy Soeng — all of whom won gold at the 2023 Games — to the Kun Khmer squad, while another gold medallist, female fighter Touch Chanvathyea, has been selected for the national kickboxing team.
The other nine members of the Kun Khmer squad include many prominent fighters, however. They are Thoeun Dasophany, Eh Yanut Pouthong, Chea Chomroeun, Tin Din, Sim Sihong, Hong Sovannchansothy, Eh Virekkhamchit Pouthong, Eh Ammarin Pouthong and Thoeun Theara, who is currently facing public criticism after posting images of himself vaping.
Prom Samnang (in red) on his way to claiming gold at the 32nd SEA Games in 2023 in Cambodia. Supplied
Eh Pouthong has been selected as head coach, with Lao Sinath in the assistant coach role.
The absence of the 10 gold medallists has raised some suspicions that the selection process may have been influenced by favouritism or internal bias — favouring certain athletes over proven contributors to the nation’s sporting success.
Khov Chhay, president of the Khmer Boxing Federation (KBF), addressed these allegations, explaining that this year's selection process focused heavily on the current capabilities and recent performances of the athletes — with age also being a factor for reconsideration.
“We select national athletes based on merit, current form and ability. Some athletes were great in the past, but their performance has since declined, so we didn’t select them. We choose only athletes who are currently performing at a high level,” he told the meda.
“We also consider age. We want to focus more on young athletes, as they can gain experience from this SEA Games and continue to improve for future competitions,” he added.
This year’s selections also focused on athletes who are familiar with fighting under protective gear rules — especially those who understand the system and regulations for the 33rd SEA Games. The host nation, Thailand, has mandated a Muay Thai competition format rather than the Kun Khmer format used at the 2023 Games.
“We know the SEA Games will use protective gear. Some fighters are strong in professional bouts, but in amateur-style, point-based competition with gear, they don’t score well. They lack the techniques and form for that kind of fighting. We know how the rules work in Thailand, and we need to select athletes who are suited for that specific style and rule set,” Chhay clarified.
