Cambodia to Host MMA Championship in July 2024 as Sport Expands in Country

Cambodia is set to host the second Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship in July 2024, marking the sport's debut in the country. The announcement was made by Gordon Tang, vice-president of the Olympic Council of Asia and president of the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA), during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh.

The event will showcase the skills of Cambodian fighters and celebrate the rich heritage of Khmer martial arts, such as kun bokator and kun Khmer, which have been recognized by UNESCO. It will also bring together top fighters from over 45 Asian countries and serve as a qualification round for the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Art Games in Thailand.

For Cambodian athletes, this is an opportunity to shine on home soil and build upon their success from the previous championship in 2023, where they won two bronze medals. The event promises a memorable experience for both MMA fans and those interested in Cambodian culture and athleticism.

The AMMA was established in Singapore to promote and develop mixed martial arts activities across Asia, and it is the sole pan-Asian mixed martial arts federation recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia. Tang has contributed to the development of Cambodia's sporting sector, offering financial and technical support for sports like sailing and gymnastics, as well as sending Cambodian athletes to China for further training.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed Cambodia's readiness to cooperate with Tang on the organization of future sporting events, and encouraged more international sporting events to be hosted in the country, building on the success of the 32nd SEA Games held in Cambodia in May 2023.

Why this matters: The hosting of the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Cambodia signifies the country's growing presence in the international sports arena. It also highlights the government's efforts to promote and develop various sports disciplines, fostering national pride and providing opportunities for Cambodian athletes to compete at the highest levels.

The championship will feature local competitors as well as international fighters, making it the first-ever licensed MMA competition in Cambodia. The Cambodian Mixed Martial Arts Federation will organize the event, aiming to showcase the country's rich martial arts heritage and the skills of its fighters on the global stage.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia to host 2nd Asian MMA Championship in July 2024, a debut for the sport.
• Event will showcase Cambodian martial arts like kun bokator and kun Khmer, recognized by UNESCO.
• Cambodian athletes aim to build on their success from the previous championship in 2023.
• AMMA, the sole pan-Asian MMA federation recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia, is organizing the event.
• The championship marks Cambodia's growing presence in international sports and its efforts to promote various disciplines.