Get ready for an action-packed spectacle as the 32nd Southeast Asian Games arrive in Cambodia! Scheduled to take place from May 5th to May 17th, 2023, this highly anticipated event will showcase the very best of Southeast Asian athleticism and sportsmanship. From Phnom Penh, the heart of the games, to the breathtaking venues of Siem Reap, Kep, Kampot, and Sihanoukville, the 32nd SEA Games promise to be an unforgettable experience for sports fans!
In this article, we’ll give you a general overview of the games, with a special focus on the events in Siem Reap. So mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling two weeks of world-class sports and entertainment – the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia are not to be missed!
Opening Ceremony
The Games will kick off on May 5th with a grand opening ceremony at Phnom Penh’s brand-new Morodok Techo National Stadium. The stadium, built especially for the Games, will provide an impressive setting for the festivities, as athletes from all over Southeast Asia gather to showcase their skills and compete for medals.
The excitement has been building for months, with the SEA Games 2023 torch relay already underway. it was a proud moment for all of us in Siem Reap to witness King Norodom Sihamoni ignite the flame at the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple on March 21st; An event which marked the beginning of a journey that will take the torch through all 11 participating countries before it arrives back in Phnom Penh for the opening ceremony.
48 Sports, 11 Nations, 1 Goal
With athletes from 11 Southeast Asian nations and 48 official sports, including teqball as a demonstration event, you are guaranteed to find a sport that caters to your interests and preferences.
From the adrenaline-fueled excitement of athletics to the strategic challenges of chess, the Games will have something captivating for everyone. Additionally, for those who enjoy a more modern approach to sports, the event will also feature esports such as Crossfire (PC), League of Legends: Wild Rift (Mobile), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Mobile), PUBG Mobile, and Valorant (PC) to entice gamers of all ages.
Full Schedule of Events
If you’re planning to attend the games, you can find the full schedule of events on the official website. You can also download this handy pdf version of the schedule to bring with you on your mobile device, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Events in Siem Reap
Phnom Penh may be the focal point of the SEA Games, but Siem Reap will play host to some of the most exciting events on the schedule, including the marathon, the 20 km walk, and the road cycling race. And with the majestic Kulen Mountains as a backdrop, the mountain biking competition promises to be a breathtaking sight.
| Sport | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics (Marathon / 20 km Walk) | Angkor Wat | May 9 |
| Cycling (Mountain Biking) | Kulen Mountains | May 9, 10, 11 |
| Cycling (Road Race) | Angkor Wat | May 14, 15, 16 |
Free Admission
Make sure to mark your calendars and arrive early, as all events are free (for both locals and foreigners) and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This will be an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss!
Asean Para Games
The 12th ASEAN Para Games will be held in Cambodia from June 3rd to June 9th, 2023, immediately following the SEA Games. The events will be hosted at various locations throughout Phnom Penh, offering the opportunity for athletes with disabilities from all over the region to showcase their skills and compete. Although there are no events planned for Siem Reap, the ASEAN Para Games promises to be an exciting event for everyone involved.
A Short History of the SEA Games
The SEA Games, a biennial multi-sport event, has been held since 1959. Formerly known as the Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games, the competition was rebranded as the South-east Asian (SEA) Games in 1977. It has grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the region, attracting athletes from various countries to compete and exhibit their abilities.
