Phnom Penh, Cambodia – After a remarkable nine-year tenure, Ly Chun has officially stepped down from his role as head coach of the Cambodian national volleyball team. His departure marks the end of a significant era that saw unprecedented development and success for Cambodian volleyball on the regional stage, eliciting widespread regret and gratitude from players, officials, and fans alike.
The Cambodian Volleyball Federation (VFC) confirmed Coach Ly Chun’s departure through an official announcement on its Facebook page on the morning of March 9. This news came shortly after Ly Chun himself posted a personal message on his social media, stating, ‘Goodbye to my nine years in Cambodia.’ The announcement quickly resonated throughout the Cambodian sporting community, with many fans expressing their surprise and profound thanks for the Chinese coach’s dedicated efforts over nearly a decade.
Ang Serey Pisith, Vice President of the Cambodian Volleyball Federation, conveyed the organization’s deep appreciation for Ly Chun’s contributions. In a social media post, Pisith stated, ‘On behalf of the leadership of the Cambodian Volleyball Federation, I extend our deepest gratitude to Coach Ly Chun for his immense dedication and unwavering commitment in coaching the Cambodian volleyball team for nine years. He has left behind numerous achievements for the Federation and the people of Cambodia. We wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.’
The sentiment of gratitude and regret was echoed by the national team players. Seng Kimhab, a prominent member of the squad, shared his thanks to Ly Chun for his invaluable guidance both during training and matches. He remarked, ‘Meetings lead to partings, and I am extremely thankful to the coach for imparting such excellent advice to me.’ Phul Rattanak, known for his defensive prowess, also posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing appreciation for Ly Chun’s coaching. Meanwhile, star player Kuon Mom articulated his profound sadness upon learning of the separation, praising Ly Chun’s exceptional leadership, effective training strategies, strict discipline, and his consistent emphasis on fostering strong teamwork and unity within the squad, free from internal disputes.
Kuon Mom further elaborated on his admiration for the coach, highlighting Ly Chun’s instrumental role in the team’s development. ‘I am truly saddened because he was a coach who led and trained me and the entire team with superior techniques and valuable experience,’ Kuon Mom stated. He specifically credited Ly Chun for guiding the team to historic achievements, including a bronze medal at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam, followed by an impressive silver medal at the 32nd SEA Games. Kuon Mom described Ly Chun as a disciplined and highly responsible coach who consistently instilled a sense of unity among the players. Kuon Mom, who recently announced his move to Hanoi Volleyball Club in Vietnam, also expressed his deep gratitude to Ly Chun for leaving his homeland to help elevate Cambodian volleyball’s profile on the international stage.
During his nine years at the helm, Coach Ly Chun played a pivotal role in securing numerous significant milestones for Cambodian volleyball. Beyond the groundbreaking bronze and silver medals at the SEA Games, which marked new historical records for the nation, he also guided the team to victory in the 2024 SEA V League Challenge. This triumph secured Cambodia a coveted spot in the official SEA V League for 2025. Furthermore, under his leadership, the Cambodian men’s national volleyball team made its inaugural appearance at the prestigious Asian Games, showcasing the remarkable progress made under his dedicated guidance.
