Kombat Grand Prix Hailed as a New Page in Kun Khmer History

The Cambodia Boxing Federation (CBF), the International Kun Khmer Federation, and their international partners announced that the Kombat Kun Khmer and Tekvando Grand Prix, held in Cambodia for the first time, was a major success. Officials stated that this historic event opened the doors to a brand new era in the history of the Kun Khmer martial art. The event brought traditional Cambodian fighters together with opponents from all over the world on the same platform, providing a unique contribution to sports cooperation between nations. CBF President Khov Chhay emphasized that the tournament was one of the best starts ever seen among joint Kun Khmer and Tekvando events. This success clearly demonstrated Cambodia's potential to conduct professional combat sports organizations on an international scale.

The championship, held on 27 Haziran at Old Stadium, hosted a total of eight matches, featuring four male and two female Cambodian fighters. Cambodian athletes showcased their determination by competing against experienced opponents from eight different countries under both Kun Khmer and Tekvando rules. The country managed to complete the tournament with a highly proud record of five victories and only one defeat. Cambodia's sole defeat occurred when Rithy Vanich fell behind Ingrid Soto on points, while the remaining five athletes stepped onto the mat with glorious victories. Four Kun Khmer fighters defeated their opponents with their attacking power by knocking them out, while Nern Sreyna, who took to the mat in the Tekvando match, emerged victorious by the referees' decision points.

The biggest surprise of the night was undoubtedly Nern Sreyna's unexpected victory against Argentine fighter Natacha Castro. Castro entered the match as the favorite, as a highly successful and experienced Tekvando athlete who has won numerous victories on the world stage and proven herself internationally. However, Sreyna put her Argentine opponent in great difficulty with the tremendous kicking power and techniques she displayed throughout the match. This superior performance by the Cambodian Kun Khmer athlete mesmerized everyone watching until the last second, creating one of the most talked-about moments of the night. This result proved to the whole world how superior the discipline and technical infrastructure of Kun Khmer training can be, even against different combat disciplines.

CBF President Khov Chhay promised that although the first organization was not flawless, the mistakes would be compensated and future events would be taken to a much more perfect level. Stating that what is important is that a solid and strong foundation has been laid for the development of the athlete, Chhay expressed that Kun Khmer has started to receive more attention both within Cambodia and in the global arena. Kombat Global President Rick Shin also regarded this organization, held in Phnom Penh, as a historic milestone in the partnership between his company and Kun Khmer. Emphasizing that with the Kombat Kun Khmer, whose official first world premiere organization was held in Phnom Penh, a new sports era has officially begun, Shin added that the sport is progressing with confident steps towards becoming a global brand.

Following the historic success, Khov Chhay expressed his gratitude by thanking all the forces behind this flawless organization. He stated that without the contribution of the athletes who sweated on the mat, the experienced coaches who trained them, the technical referees, the sponsors, and all relevant institutions, this success could never have been achieved. Additionally, a separate message of thanks was sent to all the fans who filled the local and international stands, without forgetting them. Chhay clearly reiterated that the organization is not over for now and that the sport will be grown even further following this successful initiative. He emphasized that a new global adventure of the sport has officially begun to continuously increase the worldwide recognition of the Kun Khmer martial art and to bring it to the visibility it deserves in the international arena.