Primary School Level: Maintaining Participation, Increasing supporter
Phnom Penh, 6 May 2026
The National Primary School Fencing Competition and National Youth Championship concluded on May 4, 2026, at the Olympia Mall. The event was presided over by Mr. HU Jianhai, Vice President of the Fencing Federation of Cambodia.
A total of 38 male and female athletes from 10 provinces and capitals participated in the 2026 National Primary School Fencing Competition. This year, the athletes showed unexpected progress in their performance, technical skills, and physical strength.
Mr. Sok Ang, Secretary-General of the Fencing Federation, emphasized the technical level of the athletes, noting that their performance gains were beyond expectations. He added that it wasn't just the technical skills of these grassroots athletes that improved, but also their physical fitness and intelligence. According to the Federation’s plan, this represents success not only in Strategic Plan 1: Increasing Participation, but also progress toward Strategic Plan 2: Increasing Success on the International Stage. The Federation will carefully evaluate, monitor, and select outstanding athletes to join the national team in preparation for the 2031 Asian Youth Championships, which Cambodia will host.
However, Mr. Sok Ang spoke candidly regarding the presence of these young athletes, stating that the ultimate decision lies with the children and their parents—whether they agree to encourage and push them to train and compete to gain experience for 2031 or not.
Regarding the rising quality of these grassroots athletes, the senior official further clarified that this progress stems from the athletes' own passion, the dedication of club coaches, and the encouragement of parents. For instance, the team from Kandal Province trains on open ground without a roof at the Bun Rany Hun Sen Koh Dach Primary School, sometimes even practicing in the rain.
The 2026 National Primary School Fencing Competition also saw massive support from people of all walks of life, especially young children. This aligns with the slogan "Sports for Children's Health" and the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy: "One youth, at least one sport for life."
It is worth noting that, according to the report of the Technical Committee of the 2026 National Primary School for Fencing Competition, Kampong Cham province ranked first with a total of 3 medals (2 gold and 1 bronze), followed by Prey Veng province with a total of 3 medals (1 gold and 2 bronze). Follow by, Phnom Penh won 1 gold medal, Kampong Chhnang province with 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medals, Oddar Meanchey province with 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal, Tbong Khmum province with 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal, Stung Treng province with 1 silver medal, and Preah Sihanouk province with 1 bronze medal. In particular, Kandal and Koh Kong provinces did not receive any medals from the competition, as the fencers who won last year were too old to participate.
