By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• August 26, 2024 , 4:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia secured a respectable third-place finish at the recent 10th Asian Taekwon-Do ITF Championships in India. The team won a total of 24 medals, including three gold.

The tournament, which took place from August 19 to 25, featured athletes from over 20 countries. Despite facing stiff competition from powerhouses like North Korea – which claimed the top spot – and Kazakhstan, Cambodia’s athletes delivered outstanding performances.

A team of 17 Cambodian athletes, including six women, represented the country at the event. Their combined efforts led to a solid medal haul, consisting of three gold, seven silver, and 14 bronze medals.

The next Asian ITF Championships will be held in Mongolia in 2026, providing Cambodia with an opportunity to continue building on its success.

At the sidelines in India a significant milestone for Cambodian taekwon-do was reached at the ITF assembly where Keo Remy, the president of the Cambodia Taekwon-Do ITF Federation, was appointed as the new Southeast Asian sport chief and chairman of the Expansion Committee.

Returning home on August 26, Remy expressed his pride in the athletes' performance. He noted that despite a prolonged absence from competitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cambodian team exceeded expectations.

“Many of our athletes reached the finals, but unfortunately, they fell short against the strong North Korean competitors,” Remy told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Remy has announced the country’s ambitious plans to host the Taekwon-Do ITF Championships in Southeast Asia next year.

Beyond this immediate goal, Cambodia is also setting its sights on hosting the continental tournament, which takes place every two years, in 2028. Remy believes that hosting these prestigious events would significantly enhance Cambodia's international image.

“Taekwon-do is a sport free from political influence, making it an ideal platform for promoting our country,” Remy explained. “Sport serves as a bridge between nations, and by hosting these championships, Cambodia can gain global recognition.”