Kun Khmer at the 2023 SEA Games explained

Event:Kun Khmer
Games:2023
Venue:Elephant Hall 1, Morodok Techo National Stadium
Location:Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Dates:6–11 May 2023

Kun Khmer competitions at the 2023 SEA Games took place at Morodok Techo National Stadium, Phnom Penh. Kun Khmer or Pradal serey is an ancient Cambodian variation of Kick boxing, dating back to the Khmer Empire in the 9th century AD. A total of 19 medals were awarded.[1]

The sport marked its debut at the SEA Games, however a similar sport named Muay Thai was contested in earlier editions.[2] [3] Thai athletes protested over the use of the term 'Kun Khmer' over 'Muay Thai'.[4] [5] The International Federation of Muaythai Associations boycotted the events and Thai athletes decided not to take part in the games under the name 'Kun Khmer'.[6] [7]

Medalists

Kun Kru

Men's Kun Kru nowrapnowrap
Women's Kun Kru nowrap

Men

–45 kg
–48 kg
–51 kgnowrap
–54 kg
–57 kg
–60 kg
–63.5 kg
–67 kg
–71 kg
–75 kg
–81 kg

Women

–45 kgnowrap
–48 kg
–51 kg
–54 kg
–57 kgnowrap
–60 kg

Notes and References

  1. Web site: iGames - Cambodia 2023 . 2023-05-04 . games.cambodia2023.com.
  2. Web site: 'Muay Thai' or 'Kun Khmer': Neighbors spar over sport's name . 2023-05-04 . Nikkei Asia . en-GB.
  3. News: . Prayut calls for end to bickering over Muay Thai-Kun Khmer . en . Bangkok Post . 2023-05-04.
  4. Web site: 2023-02-19 . Cambodian combat sport Kun Khmer working for IOC recognition . 2023-05-04 . www.insidethegames.biz.
  5. Web site: 2023-01-25 . Muay Thai or Kun Khmer? Cambodia and Thailand clash again . 2023-05-04 . Asian MMA . en.
  6. News: . Thais to skip Kun Khmer event . en . Bangkok Post . 2023-05-04.
  7. News: Fight club: Thailand, Cambodia duke it out to stake claim on boxing in Mekong . 8 May 2023 . South China Morning Post . 6 May 2023 . en.