Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 30 – In the aftermath of a series of glorious victory and close-to-victory in a number of sport events in which performance of Cambodian teams were seen as improving as much as to the surprise of many people, Prime Minister Hun Sen, on Jan. 30 applauded and commended all sport clubs in the country and encouraged more sponsorship.

On his Facebook Page, the premier wrote that sports of all disciplines have developed noticeably over the past few years. He praised all sport federations, sport clubs as well as individual athletes for working hard until they succeeded in winning medals for the nation as a result of their gloriously competition in national and international events.

He also requested for support or sponsorships by wealthy and charitable individuals or foundations to different forms of sport in the country. The authorities shall prepare, he said, or develop convenient locations and facilities for sports while all citizens – young, old, male, female – should be engaged in and supportive of sporting activities.

“Once again, I would like to congratulate the Cambodian All Stars for winning over Burriram United from Thailand, in the 65th Cambodia-Thai Friendship Football Match,” wrote the premier. “Through Gen. Sao Sokha, Director of Football Federation, I gave already incentives to 36 players and coaches, each of whom receives $1,000, totally $36,000”.

The Prime Minister said that, however, upon a request of the Minister of Education, Youths, and Sports on Jan. 28, he decided to add another 12 million riels ($3,000) to each player and coach, totally 432 million riels ($180,000).