Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 23 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call by Vice President of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Tang Gordon on Tuesday morning (Apr. 23) at the Peace Palace.

During the meeting, Tang Gordon thanked Samdech Thipadei for granting him and his delegation the opportunity to pay a courtesy call. He expressed deep gratitude to Samdech Thipadei for acknowledging their efforts and contributions to the development of sports in Cambodia.

Tang Gordon underlined his contributions to sports development, both financially and technically, particularly in sailing and gymnastics for Cambodian athletes. He mentioned the initiative of sending Cambodian athletes to train in China. Additionally, Tang Gordon briefed Samdech Thipadei on the cooperation with the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia in organising the Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) event, scheduled to be held in Cambodia in July 2024.

On the occasion, the vice president also informed Samdech Thipadei about his ongoing support for the organisation of the 2029 Asian Youth Games, with Cambodia as a host. He underscored the importance of including more significant sporting events in Cambodia's competition program to enhance the abilities of Cambodian athletes towards the 2029 Asian Youth Games. He expressed confidence that under Samdech Thipadei's leadership, sports in Cambodia would continue to thrive, and Cambodian athletes would achieve greater success in major international sporting events.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet welcomed Tang Gordon and his delegation to visit Cambodia. He expressed gratitude and appreciation for Gordon's contribution to the support and development of sports in the Kingdom. He also underlined that the relevant institutions of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the private sector would be prepared to coordinate and cooperate in organising this mixed martial arts event with the Olympic Council of Asia.

Regarding the organisation of the 2029 Asian Youth Games, the premier underlined that the Royal Government of Cambodia has made sufficient preparations to host the Asian Youth Games based on Cambodia's successful hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games in 2023.

Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored that hosting international sports events not only strengthens solidarity and friendship in sports but also provides foreigners with a clearer understanding of Cambodia, attracting tourists to visit the country. Additionally, he supported and encouraged the organisation of significant international sports events in Cambodia, urging the participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector and media companies.

Before concluding, Samdech Thipadei encouraged Tang Gordon to continue supporting the development of sports in Cambodia, particularly by backing the training programme of Cambodian athletes in China to enhance their competitiveness in the 2029 Asian Youth Games.
=FRESH NEWS