Cambodia poised to host Southeast Asian Games, with competitors keeping one eye on Hangzhou event later this year
- Multi-sport event begins on Friday with parade through 60,000-seat Morodok Techo National Stadium, which China built for US$160 million
- With the Asian Games later this year and the Paris Olympics in 2024, athletes are looking beyond making a mark regionally
Cambodia will welcome thousands of athletes from across the region when the Southeast Asian Games begin on Friday with an opening ceremony at a new stadium built and paid for by China.
The capital Phnom Penh will stage the 32nd edition of the biennial SEA Games, the first time Cambodia plays host.
More than 11,000 athletes, coaches and delegates from 10 other countries will descend on the country for the Games, which run until May 17.
Regional glory is up for grabs but competitors will also have one eye on the Asian Games in China later this year and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Southeast Asia’s finest will take part in a host of competitions including athletics, swimming, badminton and football, as well as more obscure sports such as Kun Bokator, an ancient Cambodian martial art.
The Games will welcome world-class athletes such as pole-vaulter Ernest John Obiena and weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, both from the Philippines.