Cambodia denies cutting athletes attending SEA Games 33

In response to information from Thai media, Cambodia responded quickly.

Cambodia still attends SEA Games 33 as originally planned.

The incident began at noon on August 5, when many Thai newspapers quoted the country's Olympic Committee, affirming that "Cambodia has decided to reduce the number of its athletes by 96%", from 1,515 to only 57 people, when participating in the 33rd SEA Games.

The above sources said that this decision stemmed from political tensions between the two sides in recent times.

However, just a few hours after the information was spread, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) immediately denied it. Mr. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of NOCC, shared on Phnom Penh Post : "The Cambodian national sports delegation is still in the process of preparing according to the original plan."

Mr. Vath Chamroeun also affirmed that Cambodia has never announced the reduction of its forces and has no idea where the 57 athletes came from. The NOCC Secretary General also assured that the political conflicts between the two countries will not affect Cambodia's participation in the 33rd SEA Games.

The NOCC also said that they are in the process of finalizing the official list and will announce it when the time is right. The athletes are still actively training, and Cambodia is committed to submitting the final list to the SEA Games organizing committee on time.

The 33rd SEA Games will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025 in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla in Thailand.

Indonesia U23's thrilling victory over Thailand On the night of July 25, Indonesia tied Thailand 1-1 in 120 minutes, then won 7-6 in the penalty shootout in the semi-finals of the Southeast Asian tournament.

Source: https://znews.vn/campuchia-phu-nhan-cat-giam-vdv-du-sea-games-33-post1574482.html