There is no story of Cambodia boycotting SEA Games 33.

TPO - Before the news that Cambodia will not participate in the 33rd SEA Games held in Thailand, the Land of Pagodas immediately denied it.

In a recent speech to national athletes at the Government House, Cambodian Minister of Education , Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron affirmed that boycotting the 33rd SEA Games would seriously damage the image of the land of pagodas.

"Such actions will tarnish Cambodia's reputation, especially in ASEAN," Matichon newspaper quoted Mr. Hang Chuon Naron as saying. "If we do not send athletes and officials to the SEA Games, it will not only be turning our backs on Thailand but also the entire ASEAN region, because the SEA Games is an event of interest to the whole region and is supervised by the ASEAN Sports Council. We will not do anything that negatively affects Cambodia's reputation."

In addition, Mr. Hang Chuon Naron also emphasized the safety factor of the Cambodian sports delegation when participating in the event in the context of tension between Cambodia and Thailand. "Participating in the 33rd SEA Games is a difficult decision, but we are aware that the host country Thailand must ensure the safety of Cambodian athletes, and must be responsible for anything that happens," he said.

Minister Hang Chuon Naron also instructed Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, to maintain discipline, conduct daily roll calls and advise athletes to only travel in groups and maintain communication to ensure safety. In addition, the teams will return home immediately after completing their competitions. According to Secretary General Vath Chamroeun, Cambodia's participation in the Games is to demonstrate courage, dignity and commitment to peace , while upholding the principles of universal sportsmanship.

In a newly released statement, Head of the Thai Sports Delegation Thana Chaiprasit confirmed that Cambodia will still participate in the 33rd SEA Games as usual. "The rumor that Cambodia will withdraw from the 33rd SEA Games is completely false. On December 1, the head of the Cambodian sports delegation will attend the SEA Games meeting with member countries and officially register athletes," Mr. Chaiprasit emphasized.

The Cambodian sports delegation attended the SEA Games with 333 athletes, coaches and officials, competing in 21 sports.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/khong-co-chuyen-campuchia-tay-chay-sea-games-33-post1799588.tpo