(Phnom Penh): Cambodia has officially launched the Cambodia Sambo Federation, appointing Senior Minister Thong Khon, president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), as its first president.

The federation was established during its inaugural General Assembly for the 2026-2030 mandate at NOCC headquarters, with a 13-member executive committee. The event was attended by representatives from the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania (SUAO), the Russian Embassy, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

Thong Khon said the federation stems from a sports cooperation agreement between the Cambodian and Russian Olympic committees, reflecting more than 70 years of bilateral ties.

Sambo, a Russian martial art officially established in 1938, was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 2021 and is featured in several Asian multi-sport events. The Olympic Council of Asia is expected to include it in the 2029 Asian Youth Games, while Cambodia hopes to stage the sport at the 2031 Asian Youth Games it will host.

The Cambodia Sambo Federation was granted provisional membership by SUAO on June 25 and will now pursue full recognition from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the NOCC, and FIAS.

Thong Khon said the new federation would help expand athlete development, technical training, and international cooperation for the sport in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS