Cambodia’s Women’s Saber Fencing Team Won Historic Bronze at Asian U23 Championships
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 October 2025
In a stunning and emotional triumph, Cambodia’s women team captured a historic bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Under-23 Fencing Championship marking the nation’s first-ever podium finish at a continental-level event under official International Fencing Federation (FIE) regulations.
On October 25, 2025, the women sabre team, composed of Pen Narita and The Chor-sisters, Chor Sereymorakot and Chor Sereymunita, delivered an unforgettable performance that left both athletes and coaches momentarily speechless. Competing against some of Asia’s fencing powerhouses, the young Cambodian team not only defied expectations but etched their names in the nation’s sporting history.
This achievement is particularly remarkable as it follows many years of absence from international competition. It also represents Cambodia’s first debut medal at the Asian level in an officially sanctioned FIE event, a circuit known for its stringent regulations, high technical standards, and participation from countries boasting Olympic-level athletes. Among their opponents were the formidable Hong Kong team, fresh off a gold medal won at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the final results, Hong Kong claimed gold, Kazakhstan secured silver, while Cambodia shared bronze with the Philippines, completing a powerful statement that Southeast Asian nations are rapidly rising in the regional fencing scene.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sereymunita expressed her disbelief: “At first, I thought this would just be a new experience; a chance to learn, and prepare for future competitions. But earning this bronze medal, it was beyond what I ever imagined.”
Her sister, Sereymorakot, echoed the sentiment: “I honestly didn’t think we could make it this far. It’s my first time competing at this level, and to reach the podium means everything. This is just the beginning, it motivates me to train even harder for future championships.”
For Pen Narita, who also competed in the individual sabre event where she ranked 17th, the team medal brought a mix of joy and pressure. “Its overwhelming happiness mixed with nerves,” she admitted. “Now that we’ve proven we can do it, I’m afraid of not being able to match this level again. But it pushes me to grow stronger.”
Though this marks the end of Cambodia’s international fencing competitions for the year, the national team continues its rigorous training in preparation for the 2025–2026 competitive season.
The Fencing Federation of Cambodian expressed gratitude to their sponsors, AirAsia and Legend Cinema — whose support made the team’s participation and success possible.
This bronze medal is more than just a piece of metal; it is a symbol of resilience, talent, and a new chapter for Cambodian fencing one that promises a bright future for the nation’s next generation of athletes.
— By Chor Sereymorakot
