Kingdom’s fame post-SEA Games to last ‘a century’
PRIME Minister Hun Sen noted that while the 32nd SEA Games were now over, the honour and dignity it brought to Cambodia will last for “100 years”. “Money may have been spent, but the fame and prestige of the nation is priceless, and will persist,” he said while addressing a May 18 graduation ceremony for medical students.
“The newfound fame of Cambodia is significant. It will remain for far more than mere days or years, but for a century,” he added, noting that the games had been free of any serious incidents.
Cambodia spent $118 million on preparing and organising the SEA Games 2023. The figure includes $7 million that was allocated for the food and accommodation of the athletes and sporting delegations from the participating guest nations.
The Kingdom became the first host nation to provide complementary food and accommodation.
The games became known as “free SEA Games”, as not only were guests provided with housing and meals, but no fees were levied for international broadcasting rights – another first – while admission to all events was free of charge.
Hun Sen also recalled the largest previously held international sporting tournament in the Kingdom – the Games of New Emerging Forces (GANEFO) – which were held in Phnom Penh in 1966, and are still fondly remembered.
During the May 17 closing of the SEA Games, which featured spectacular performances and mesmerising
fireworks, Hun Sen attributed Cambodia’s successful hosting of the biennial multi-sports extravaganza to the hard-won peace enjoyed by the Kingdom today.
The closing ceremony took place at Morodok Techo National Stadium, in the presence of Hun Sen and his wife Bun Rany, as well as foreign envoys and sporting delegates.
In a brief speech, the prime minister declared the success of the games a testament to the nation’s stability and social harmony, as stated in the Kingdom’s 32nd SEA Games motto of “Sports Live in Peace”.
“Today, the SEA Games 2023 comes to an end. It was a great success, as evidenced by the good cheer and smiles on everyone’s faces. As the host, Cambodia has tried its best to organise the event and provide the best services and hospitality possible.
“I thank all athletes who attended the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia,” he said, extending his gratitude to
all of the ASEAN member states for sending their athletes and delegates.
Hun Sen noted that the regional sporting event will further strengthen ASEAN unity.
“I dedicate our great achievement of hosting a fantastic SEA Games to all of my compatriots, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity or religion,” he said.
“On behalf of the King and the government, I declare the close of the SEA Games 2023,” he said, thanking all stakeholders for their contributions and the Chinese government for the grant to build the Morodok Techo National Stadium.
Minister of National Defence Tea Banh, who also heads the Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), offered his gratitude to all of the athletes, police officers and members of the armed forces, volunteers and the general public who contributed to making the historic sporting event a success.