Kun Khmer at the 2023 SEA Games

Kun Khmer
at the 2023 SEA Games
VenueElephant Hall 1, Morodok Techo National Stadium
LocationPhnom Penh, Cambodia
Dates6–11 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]

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