By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• August 27, 2024 , 4:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – A top sports official expressed hope that kun Khmer fighters will have an in-depth understanding of traditional martial arts carvings on temples in Siem Reap province as they embark on a tour to promote the ancestral legacy.

The tour, an initiative of the General Department of Sports, is set for August 27 to 29. It aims to highlight and spread the rich heritage of Khmer martial artists and to introduce the power and grace of Khmer ancient fighting forms.

Activities include visiting temples where fighting sculptures were carved and visits to Angkor Wat and Bayon accompanied by archaeologists. Kun Khmer fighters will also be engaging in biking, strolling at the Angkor Botanical Garden and watching the sunset on Phnom Bakheng on August 28.

On August 29, they will visit museums before returning to Phnom Penh.

Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, said that the tour will help spread traditional martial arts which were left by the ancestors and carved on the stone at many temples. 

He said that this program will allow fighters to have an emotional feeling of what ancestors left behind as they are touching the carvings to reflect the soul and power of previous generations so that they are motivated to preserve the martial arts and national identity.

“I would like to ask to them not only look at the carving stones but also to understand deeply each fighting form so that they have confidence and are grateful for our ancestors who have defended the country using these martial arts forms,” he said.

“Don’t forget our ancestors and our martial arts.” 

Bokator, kun Khmer, and yuthakun khom are prominent Khmer martial arts which are practiced widely nationwide.