BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
278 traditional boxers (this martial art is also known as “Boxkator”) including 15 female boxers from 11 of the nation’s Boxkator boxing clubs and associations have attended the Worldwide National Boxkator Competitions. These fights were held over five days- 27th to 31st October 2008 - at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh and were organized by the Cambodian Boxkator Federation (CBF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS).
Hok Chheang Kim, Secretary General of CBF noted that this year’s competitions mark the third opportunity for the best of Cambodia’s fighters to demonstrate their prowess before an audience of informed enthusiasts.
Chheang Kim said the main purpose of the competition was to select outstanding Boxkator fighters from across the country for entry into Cambodia’s National Championships in the Year.
According to Chheang Kim, at interview with the Cambodia weekly October 28, such a high visibility competition will also help promote the noble art of “Boxkator” as a sport suitable for all and preserve it for future generations of prize-fighting Cambodians.
He said that there are a total of 18 subjects upon which to judge the performance of a fighter. These fall under two general headings, the first dealing with the fighter’s technical ability, the second giving points for displays of style and grace in combat. Those fighters who fill the first places will receive gold medals, along with other value prizes, with silver and bronze awards for the brave runners-up. The prizes have been generously provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
Sean Kimsan, President of CBF, said that there are more than 20 Boxkator clubs across the cities and provinces of Cambodia. He also noted that this year, some Boxkator associations located in remote provinces could not send fighters to represent them due to lack of funds.
Kimsan said his Federation will examine ways to solve the problems by bringing in support from private companies or donor people for next year’s competitions.
“I have observed that traditional boxing has developed and our boxers have also improved,” Sean Kimsan continued. “I hope that through these competitions, Cambodian boxers will gain more fighting experience and can compete with other boxers at the SEA Games boxing competitions in future. In this way, we can be sure of a bright future for Khmer traditional sports for the next generation.”
Om Tharorth, 18, a female fighter from the Orussey Boxkator Club in Phnom Penh, said that she was happy and excited to attend this year’s competitions as these will mark her entry into a public fight arena. Her look of steely-eyed determination suggests she is well prepared to take on all challengers.
“I hope that with my hard training I will win a golden medal for my club,” she said. “I have beaten my opponents in the last three days of competition and now I am waiting for the final gold medal bout.”
Yong Rathana, 28, a fighter from Hang Meas Boxkator Association in Kandal province, said that he had put himself in the line of fire in previous competitions. He has been learning the art for the past two years and has the experience of 15 previous bouts to back him up.
“This is the second time I have fought for the honour of my Association in these competitions. Last year, I won a bronze medal and this year I strongly believe that with my experience, I’m on course for a gold medal. I’m looking forward to taking the spoils of “Boxkator” war back home to Kandal. From there, it would be the greatest honour for me to represent my country in international competition.” he said.
///
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment