Fencing Included in 2026 National Primary School Sports Competition
Phnom Penh, 2 May 2026
The Ministry of Education Youth and Sports has officially authorized the sport of fencing to participate in the 2026 National Primary School Games. On the opening day, the fencing competition commenced with a total of 38 participants representing primary school students from 10 city and provinces, held under the theme: "Sports for Children’s Health."
This year, the fencing federation organized the competition from May 1st to May 4th, 2026, on the 5th floor of The Olympia Mall. This central location is a popular public hub where families gather for shopping, business meetings, exercise, and leisure. The mall’s participation highlights its commitment to promoting the development of the sports sector in Cambodia and its continuous focus on public health.
Mr. Sok Ang, Secretary General of the Fencing Federation of Cambodia, stated that this year, the federation has secured excellent partners for the event. He noted that the federation now has athletes at all levels, aligning with Cambodia's sports development policies. This preparation is part of a long-term strategy as Cambodia prepares to host:
The 2028 ASEAN University Games
The 2031 Asian Youth Games
The federation’s technical standards are also being aligned with the International Fencing Federation (FIE). The current structure includes:
Primary Category: Fencers under 13 years old.
Youth Category: Divided into Cadet (ages 13–16) and Junior (ages 17–20).
Open Category: Athletes aged 20 and above or open to any age.
University Category: The Students who are from 18 to 25. In the meantime, the federation is collaborating with several universities to establish fencing training programs.
He emphasized that the primary or U13 level is a vital "nursery" for fencing, providing a foundation for long-term development and building deep roots for the sport’s future.
Reflecting the theme of the National Primary School Games, children’s health is crucial for building and enhancing the nation's human resources. Sports undoubtedly bring health benefits; when boys and girls choose a sport that suits them, it improves their physical strength, mental discipline, and academic performance.
Under the leadership of H.E. Te Laurent, the Fencing Federation of Cambodia has achieved significant technical milestones. These efforts align with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which encourages "One youth, one sport for life," while successfully training athletes ranging from the primary level (U13) through to higher education and the open category (20+).
