Asian Games’ Oldest Competitor Inspires Young
This photo shows Cambodia's Chinese chess player Sok Theng and Chinese Foreign Minister's Spokesperson Wang Wenbin (in circle). Photo: Wang Wenbin / Facebook
- By Mom Pitu
- October 10, 2023 7:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – Sok Theng, a 84-year-old Chinese chess player from Cambodia was the oldest athlete at the 19th Asian Games.
His enthusiasm for the discipline had sparked passion among young players to chase their dreams, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.
Theng was one of 114 Cambodians who took part in the Games in Hangzhou from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
“I came here because I love the game,” the 84-year-old said on a post on Wang Wenbin’s official Facebook page.
Theng, who reached the sixth round, told the Straits Times he decided to take part in the competition after another player withdrew for personal reasons.
“I have been a founding member since the Cambodia Chess Federation was established in 2007,” he said. “There are many players in the federation and I am their coach.
Theng was born in Jieyang in southern China’s Guangdong province. He moved to Cambodia with his family at the age of nine. He has been interested in Chinese chess since he was young and later became a professional player.
He was in China for the Games regardless of his age because he loves sports. He was also happy to return to the country and had seen a big change in it.
“The volunteers here are most hospitable,” he said. “My competitors are very young yet competent.”
Cambodia won only a single bronze medal, in the women’s kata trio division of karate. The country ranked 38th and at the end of the list compared to other 10 ASEAN countries in the medal count.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.
