Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet Promotes Khmer Mixed Martial Arts to New Height
Phnom Penh, October 14, 2024 --
With the Samdech Thipadei Award for Khmer Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championships to happen next week, the Cambodian Prime Minister has recently formulated a commission for extensive research and study of the roots of all Khmer martial arts for conservation purposes.
According to the decision made by the Royal Government of Cambodia led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the study and research could stretch beyond Cambodian territory to areas that used to be under the administration of the former Khmer Empire. They include Kampuchea Krom in Vietnam as well as other regions currently belonging to Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
H.E. Vath Chamroeun, Permanent Vice Chair of the Commission for Organising the MMA Championships, supported the initiative that he believes will bring about a clear understanding of the history of Khmer martial arts for generations to come.
The vice chair also plans to propose to the government a ten-year title of 'King of Khmer Martial Art Fighters' for the winner of the championships to further encourage more participation in the sport.
H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, senior minister tasked to lead the event, in his earlier address at a press conference, also encouraged in-depth research, study, and documentation of the Khmer martial arts.
For the up-coming Samdech Thipadei Award for Khmer Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championships, it will be organised on Oct. 18-20 at the National Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh.
Interministerial efforts have been made, along with intimate cooperation with other players using all means of communication, to circulate the information across the country as well as to attract the participation of those interested.
Four sports federations will join hands in organising the event, including the Khmer Boxing Federation, the Cambodian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the Yutkromkhorm Federation of Cambodia, and the Cambodia Kun Bokator Federation.