Filipino Fighters Will Compete in "Kun Khmer" During the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 29 Jan 2023
Gerald Bassig attends Kun Khmer meeting in Cambodia.
Fighters from the Philippines will take part in the combat sport of "Kun Khmer" during the coming 32nd South East Asia (SEA) Games taking place from May 5-17 in Cambodia.
"Kun Khmer" is the ancient martial arts fighting style that originated in Cambodia.
The sport consists of stand up striking and clinch fighting. The objective is to knock an opponent out, force a TKO, or win by points.
The story of "Kun Khmer" (or pradal serey), starts with the Khmer Empire, which was founded in 802 A.D. at a time when many modern Southeast Asian countries didn't exist yet.
Martial arts were used by the military of the Khmer Empire, with Kun Khmer originating from the effective and highly lethal hand-to-hand combat use by the military of the Khmer Empire.
To ensure the Philippines' participation in the sport of Kun Kher the coming SEA games, enthusiastic young Filipino combat sports leader Gerald Bassig flew to Cambodia's capital Phenom Phen.
The purpose of Bassig's trip was to attend the special one-day meeting with the organizing committee for Kun Khmer and to hold talks with representatives of each of the South East Asian nations taking part in Kun Khmer in the SEA games.
Leading that important meeting in Cambodia was Vath Chamroeun, the Cambodian experienced Secretary General of the SEA Games Organizing Committee, a man 100% enthusiastic about promoting "Kun Khmer" here in Asia and around the world.
“We have officially included Kun Khmer in the SEA Games of 2023," said Chamroeun.
"The Rules and regulations for Kun Khmer have been set, and there is no impact on Muay Thai or other martial arts,” added the Cambodian sports leader.
A total of eight countries participated in that important meeting that Gerald Bassig attended.
Eight SEA countries sent representatives to the Kun Khmer summit in Cambodia.
The countries were host Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and of course The Philippines.
The noble land Dr. Jose Rizal was represented by Filipino sports leader and former Muay Thai fighter Gerald Bassig.
There will be 9 weight-classes for "Kun Khmer" in the Cambodia games, with Filipino fighters competing and challenging for medals, aiming for Gold.
Kun Khmer in action.
To get the best fighters with chances of medals for the motherland, Gerald Bassig will be organizing tournaments aimed at selected the most dangerous Philippines fighting delegation.
The first tournament to select fighters will take place in Caloocan, Metro Manila, on March 4.
The 32nd South East Asian Games will unfold from May 5-17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Blessed Filipino athletes will compete there!
The author veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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