The Kingdom’s jet ski team achieved remarkable results by winning 4 gold and 2 silver medals at the 1st round of the WGP1 Water Jet Championship in Osaka, Japan. 

However, well-known Cambodian racer Saly Oumoeut expressed disappointment that such an impressive achievement drew little attention or recognition.

The Cambodians who medalled at the May 16 to 18 round included Saly Filin, who won 2 golds in the Amateur Runabout 1100 Stock and Pro Sport GP categories, and then added a silver in the PRO-AM Runabout 1100 Open. Min Osman took a gold medal in Novice Ski Stock and a silver in Amateur Ski 4 Stroke Lites, while Kay Vansiden earned gold medal in the Amateur Ski 4 Stroke Lites.

Despite their strong performance on the international stage, Oumoeut, who leads the national team, expressed sadness and frustration that their success was largely ignored, unlike the attention given to other more prominent sports in Cambodia.

“I’m too tired to talk much. It seems we won too many golds, and that’s why no one even cares! What a joke... for our Cambodian national jet ski team. But it’s okay—at least we still have Samdech’s support. See you all in Round 2 in Brazil,” he posted to his social media, on May 19.

Prime Minister Hun Manet consistently posts congratulatory messages whenever Cambodian jet ski racers win at international events. 

The team is scheduled to compete next in Brazil from July 24–27, before heading to the final round in Thailand from December 17–21.

Oumoeut previously won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia and secured a gold and a bronze at the 32nd SEA Games in 2023 in Cambodia. Currently serving as the secretary-general of the Cambodian Jet Ski Federation, he now appears to be signalling his retirement from the sport.

“I’ve spent 18 years doing this — I think it’s time to step back and rest. I hope this sport won’t fade away and can continue moving forward,” he posted.