The Cambodian wrestling team is aiming to secure at least three gold medals on their home turf as the SEA Games wrestling events kick off today. The matches will continue until May 16.

Casey Barnett, vice-president of the Wrestling Federation of Cambodia, said the federation also has its sights set on three silver and three bronze medals.

Barnett, who is also the president of CamEd Business School, was optimistic that the goals set are realistic, based on the team’s extensive preparations. The wrestlers have been training hard in China and Iran.

“We strongly believe that our men and women will claim at least three gold, three silver and three bronze from this SEA Games. They have participating in several domestic and regional contests, which was excellent preparation. They are ready to earn medals at this historic event,” said Barnett.

At the last SEA Games, held in Vietnam in 2022, Cambodian wrestlers brought home one gold, one silver and four bronze, with Sou Bali taking gold in the men’s 125kg freestyle event.

This year, the games will feature 30 different weight classes, from 50kg to 130kg.