Waiting for 64 years, the 2023 SEA Games that hosted by Cambodia has officially opened

After a 1,000-day countdown since August 7, 2020, finally on the night of May 5, 2023, the 32nd SEA Games, which Cambodia hosted for the first time, was officially opened under the presidency of “Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen”, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and “Samdech Kittipritthbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen” at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

In this great event, “Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh”, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense and Chairman of the National Organizing Committee of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023, said that this 32nd Southeast Asian Games not only aims to host a sporting event, but also to present a fascinating and wonderful historical spectacle, which is a feature of Khmer culture and a national identity to spread to the world. At the same time, it is about cultural, tourism, economic, social and cooperation exchanges among Southeast Asian countries have contributed to increasing opportunities for closer and deeper communication to strengthen sports.

He continued that Cambodia has been waiting for 64 years to host the Southeast Asian Games now, making the dream come true. The people of Cambodia all over the country are really excited about this event and let us all unite as one, a great force full of unity, friendship and cooperation through the development of sports.

Tea Banh also said that the 32nd Southeast Asian Games 2023, Live in Peace, received delegates from 11 Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said said at the opening ceremony , "In the name of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on behalf of the Royal Government and on my own behalf, I would like to open the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) 2023 from now on.

He  welcomed the delegation from ASEAN member countries, athletes and people who attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games hosted by Cambodia.

On that occasion, Prime Minister Hun Sen raised the slogan that “Sports live in peace, Peace for all, all for peace.”

At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Sen also received the International Olympic Heritage Medal, the highest medal awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) .

In this event, there is also a spectacular spectacle that shows the history of the birth of the territory of the Khmer Empire, and the prosperity from the past to the present, which is full of peace under the leadership of Samdech Techo through the win-win politics Which led the Cambodian ship to peace. A presentation of sports delegates from various ASEAN countries and a sports torch relay.

It should be mentioned that Prime Minister Hun Sen surprised the world and made the world got to know Cambodia again that Cambodia is a small country with a big heart, after announcing the admission to the SEA Games  for free, , free live broadcasts and no requirement for delegates and athletes from all countries to pay for accommodation and meals which be be cost $ 50 per person per day. Through all these exceptions, the world was surprised, especially the delegates and the participating athletes all appreciated and enjoyed the care and well-organized of Cambodia, especially the warm hospitality.

The Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) is a multi-national sporting event of 11 Southeast Asian countries. The SEA Games are held every two years, with member countries taking turns to host them. The event is organized by the Southeast Asian Games Federation under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia. For the 32nd event in 2023 in Cambodia, there are 100,890 athletes and relevant officials who will compete in 579 disciplines in 36 sports.

As of May 4, 2023, Cambodia has won 5 gold and 4 silver medals.