Silvia Meneghini, a prominent member of the Ok Samut women’s volleyball club, has expressed her profound excitement regarding the establishment of a dedicated women’s and girls’ volleyball competition within the prestigious Samdech Sar Kheng Cup Season 4. The Italian athlete views this landmark event as a crucial opportunity for Cambodian women and young girls to not only display their athletic prowess in volleyball but also to enjoy the thrill of the sport and gain invaluable competitive experience.
The Samdech Sar Kheng Cup Season 4, taking place in 2026, marks a significant milestone by introducing a women’s volleyball division for the very first time. This new segment runs parallel to the established men’s tournament, which features 32 formidable teams. As of February 26, 2026, the competition has advanced to its semi-final stage, with four strong men’s teams and an equally impressive four women’s teams vying for a spot in the finals. Notably, Meneghini’s Ok Samut women’s team is scheduled to compete against the Ministry of Interior Volleyball Association women’s team on February 27 in a highly anticipated semi-final clash.
Despite its inaugural inclusion, the women’s volleyball tournament in the Samdech Sar Kheng Cup has garnered significant public support, mirroring the enthusiasm seen for the men’s matches. The women’s games have been characterized by their technical intensity and gripping competition, captivating audiences. Meneghini, who has resided in Cambodia for over three years, articulated her deep satisfaction at witnessing Cambodian women and girls being afforded this platform to participate and compete in the sport of volleyball. The 29-year-old emphasizes that the tournament serves as an excellent avenue for female athletes of all ages to showcase their talents, engage in healthy competition, and accumulate vital experience within the sporting arena.
Throughout the group stages, Silvia Meneghini’s Ok Samut women’s team demonstrated remarkable dedication, successfully advancing to the semi-finals. The Italian player extended commendation to her teammates for their collective effort and hard work. She highlighted the team’s continuous growth and strengthening camaraderie during the course of the tournament, expressing confidence that they would continue to train rigorously in preparation for their challenging semi-final opponents. Meneghini also shared insights into her own extensive background, revealing that she previously played semi-professional volleyball in Italy and boasts over 15 years of playing experience. She is joined by another Italian teammate, who wears jersey number 6. Since moving to Cambodia, she has consistently enjoyed playing volleyball recreationally with friends and colleagues. Her opportunity to join the Ok Samut women’s team arose when her former connection with the team’s coach led to an invitation upon the announcement of the women’s division.
While Silvia has been a part of the Ok Samut women’s team for only a relatively short period, approximately two to three months, and despite less frequent training sessions, her vast experience in volleyball has been an indispensable asset. Her seasoned expertise has played a significant role in helping the team navigate the challenging Samdech Sar Kheng Cup Season 4 and reach its current competitive stage.
