Cambodia initially announced its intention to send athletes to compete in 21 sports. However, the Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) later sent a letter to the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) and the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee, confirming its withdrawal from 9 sports: football, volleyball, sepak takraw, petanque, wrestling, judo, karate, pencak silat, and wushu.

These sports had already been registered by Cambodia within the competition system, and the withdrawal occurred beyond the permitted deadline. Chaiphak Siriwat, CEO of SEA Games 33, confirmed that Cambodia would be penalized for this action.

Chaiphak Siriwat, Vice President of the Thai Olympic Committee and CEO of SEA Games 33, speaks at the SEA Games 33 organizing committee meeting on 28/11 in Bangkok. Photo: MGR Online.

"Cambodia's sudden withdrawal from 9 sports abruptly impacted the competition management system," CEO Chaiphak stated at the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee meeting on 28/11. "We are considering fines or other forms of sanctions. They violated regulations by withdrawing after confirming their athlete list."

Immediately, the International Sepak Takraw Federation and the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation have banned Cambodia from participating in this sport at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. "For the 8 remaining sports, the respective federations will review the situation before imposing bans," said Thana Chaiprasit, Head of the Thai Sports Delegation.

Cambodia's withdrawal necessitated adjustments to the men's football schedule. Consequently, Singapore was moved from Group C to Group A to replace Cambodia, resulting in ba teams participating in each group.

The opening ceremony of SEA Games 32 at Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 5/2023. Photo: Phnom Penh Post.

The 12 sports Cambodia confirmed participation in include swimming, athletics, esports, fencing, gymnastics, ju-jitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, equestrian, jet ski, triathlon, and teqball. CEO Chaiphak stated that Cambodia committed to no further withdrawals.

On 24/11, Cambodia announced that 333 athletes, coaches, and officials would participate in 21 sports at SEA Games 33. A send-off ceremony was held at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, attended by Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (MOEYS). However, the withdrawal from 9 sports reduced the delegation to over 100 people.

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia are strained due to border disputes. This has sparked debate among Cambodian citizens, with many suggesting non-participation in SEA Games 33 to ensure athlete safety.

The Minister requested Thailand be responsible for ensuring the security and safety of all Cambodian delegates, while also guaranteeing transparency and fairness in the competitions. "If anything happens to the athletes, the host nation will face embarrassment," the MOEYS Minister added.

The Cambodian sports delegation was instructed to maintain caution and discipline. The Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) must assign personnel to oversee each sport and conduct daily roll calls. Athletes are to travel only in groups, not alone, and maintain constant communication.

Trung Thu (Source: Siam Sports, MGR Online)