A round-up of the highs, lows, celebrations and commiserations of the 32nd SEA Games
This week has been all about the jaw-dropping 32nd SEA Games opening ceremony at Phnom Penh's Morodok Techo Stadium. Despite some chaotic scenes leading up to the first hosting of the games, tens of thousands of people watched the opening in awe.
The ceremony began with a traditional Cambodian cultural performance and a parade of athletes from all 11 participating ASEAN countries. The athletes were greeted by a cheering crowd, who were clearly excited to see the games finally begin.
The highlight of the ceremony was undoubtedly the final touch by Sorn Seavmey, taekwondo gold medalist, who lit up the 32nd Southeast Asian Games’ (SEA Games) torch, as she soared through the air, helped by a rope. The fireworks display was another amazing experience. The sky was lit up with a dazzling array of colors and shapes, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.
China has been praised for its role in the successful opening of the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. A Chinese language media outlet interviewed a Chinese person who had helped behind the scenes for the opening, and they said that the games were like Cambodia's Olympic Games, the first they have hosted in 64 years.
Kiripost's coverage of the SEA Games opening ceremony has been amazing, with captivating photos by our photographer Siv Channa reaching half a million people on social media. The photos captured the excitement and pageantry of the event, and they helped showcase Cambodia's culture and hospitality to the world.
The 32nd SEA Games has so far been filled with drama and expectations. Cambodia is hoping to win many medals, including golds, with some help from foreign-born Cambodians who came to the nation to help the country achieve international fame.
The most obvious are Sruong Pheavy, who left Cambodia to marry in South Korea, where she was introduced to billiards and Cambodian-American jiu-jitsu athlete Khan Jessa.
The 32nd SEA Games kicked off with a football match between Cambodia and Timor Leste. Cambodia emerged victorious with a final score of 4-0, and the coach, international football star Keisuke Honda, was the talk of social media for his casual outfit of shorts, a shirt, and sandals.
Famous Cambodian actor, May Sokun, criticized the way that Honda dressed for the match and Prime Minister Hun Sen also weighed in on the matter, saying that Sokun should apologize to Honda. Sokun eventually apologized, saying that he did not mean to offend Honda or the Cambodian people.
It was hard to say which one got more attention: Honda's casual outfit on the sidelines or Cambodia's 4-0 victory over Timor Leste.
Another talking point was Cambodia’s men’s basketball squad, who landed the host nation a gold with a dominant naturalized team. However, the conversation was quickly halted, with many other competing nations also recruiting nationalized athletes.
In a world where we are often focused on who wins and who loses, it is easy to miss the inspiring stories that happen all around us. On May 8, Cambodian runner Bou Samnang became a global inspiration when she persevered to finish the women's 5,000 meters at the games, despite the pouring rain and the fact that she was far behind the other athletes.
Samnang's story has resonated with people, she has been praised for her determination and her willingness to never give up on her dreams. Prime Minister Hun Sen awarded her $10,000.
However, the earlier exit of Cambodia’s football team added a sad moment to the nation, after failing to secure a place in the semi-final. Cambodia lost to Myanmar and Indonesia, beating only Timor Leste and drawing against the Philippines.
With Sao Sokha, the head of football federation reserving his resignation to stay on the job, coach Honda said he’s ending coaching the national team after five years.
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