Cambodia Launches Its First-Ever National Fencing Refereeing Seminar
Phnom Penh, 25 August 2025
In a landmark move for the nation's sporting community, the Cambodian Fencing Federation has pioneered the organization of the 1st National Fencing Refereeing Seminar, scheduled from August 16 to 22, 2025. This historic initiative, led by distinguished international instructor Mr. Edi Sawarto from Indonesia, is designed to rigorously enhance the capabilities of national referees and uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness in competition.
A Professional Seminar Structure
The comprehensive seminar is structured around three critical phases of assessment and training:
Theoretical Instruction: In-depth teaching on the general rules of Fencing and the specific regulations governing each weapon type.
Written and Oral Examinations: A rigorous evaluation of theoretical knowledge and situational analysis through video review.
Practical Application: Hands-on, real-world assessment of refereeing skills in a live competition environment.
Of the 14 candidates from 6 clubs who registered for the seminar, 9 successfully completed the challenging certification process.
An Instructor of International Renown
The seminar's credibility is underscored by the expertise of its lead instructor, Mr. Edi Sawarto. Far more than an international referee for both standard and Para Fencing, Mr. Sawarto is a seasoned technical official. His esteemed portfolio includes officiating at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. His direct involvement guarantees the seminar's quality and its alignment with the strictest international standards, ensuring Cambodia's referees are trained to a world-class level.
Elevating National Refereeing Capabilities
This seminar represents a vital step forward in the development of Fencing in Cambodia, aiming to:
Establish a corps of National Referees capable of officiating at competitions from local to national levels.
Promote transparency and integrity within Fencing tournaments.
Prepare a pool of high-quality officials for both national and future international sporting events.
The Momentum of Fencing Development
This refereeing development coincides with a significant strengthening of Cambodia's national sports sector. Fencing is set to feature prominently in the 4th National Games in November 2024, which will see 99 athletes from 12 provinces and two ministries compete. This parallel growth mirrors the sport's expanding popularity both regionally and across the globe.
The Future of Fencing Officiating
This inaugural seminar is a cornerstone for building a quality National Refereeing System that is recognized internationally. It is poised to significantly strengthen the capacity of Cambodia's officiating corps and provide sustained momentum for the gradual, professional development of the sport nationwide.
The 1st National Fencing Refereeing Seminar lays the essential groundwork for the sport's development in Cambodia and holds the potential for the kingdom's future participation in international competitions. Strategic investment in referee training and athlete development is paramount to elevating Fencing events, enhancing their quality, and securing global recognition.
For further details, follow the official channels of the Cambodian Fencing Federation.
