Ten Referees Earn National Licenses Following Successful Fencing Seminar in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, August 30, 2025
The Cambodian Fencing Federation has marked a historic milestone with the conclusion of its 2025 National Referees Seminar, producing ten newly licensed national-level referees after a rigorous week of training and examinations.
The seminar, which ran from August 16 to August 22, 2024, gathered 14 candidates representing six clubs, four provinces, and two sports councils. The program was led by Edi Suwarto, an Indonesian international referee recognized in both mainstream Fencing and Para Fencing competitions.
The final examinations, held on August 24, 2025, were conducted under international refereeing standards. Candidates were tested through a demanding combination of written exams, video analysis, direct questioning, and live officiating during actual matches. The practical portion was tied directly to the 11th National Fencing Championship, ensuring real-world application of skills.
To qualify for a license, participants were required to score a minimum of 90% accuracy across all evaluation components. Of the 14 candidates, ten successfully met the threshold and were officially certified as National Referees.
“This is the first time Cambodia has organized such a program to elevate refereeing standards to the national level,” said Sok Ang, Secretary General of the Federation. “It is a testing ground for building credibility and recognition, and ultimately, a stepping stone towards international-level referee certification in the years ahead.”
Building a System for the Future
The Fencing Federation has mapped out a four-pronged training strategy covering:
Coach development
Referee development
Technical support and equipment management
Tournament organization
Due to budget limitations, this year’s focus was placed on referee training. However, officials emphasized that the broader vision is to institutionalize all four categories in the near future.
Edi Suwarto praised Cambodia’s initiative, stressing that the program not only strengthened theoretical knowledge but also exposed referees to the real pressures and errors that naturally occur in live competition.
“No matter how skilled, every referee can make mistakes,” he said. “That is why continuous study, observation, and practice are essential. Staying updated with the latest rules and sharpening judgment on the mat is the only way to reach excellence.”
Raising Cambodia’s Sporting Profile
This effort reflects Cambodia’s broader ambition to position itself as a serious player in the international sports arena. By strengthening the standards of its officials, the country ensures that athletes compete in an environment of fairness, professionalism, and international credibility.
The success of this seminar sets a precedent for annual referee licensing, with the Federation already planning pathways for referees to pursue international “B-Level” certifications in the coming years.
As a result of this year’s program, ten referees now stand as nationally licensed officials, ready to uphold the spirit and integrity of Fencing across Cambodia. Their achievement marks not just personal success, but also a crucial step forward for the sport’s development and recognition on the global stage.
— By Chor Sereymorakot
