Sihanoukville, Cambodia is gearing up to host the 6th World Khmer Martial Arts Championship in early 2026. This prestigious international event will bring together athletes from 18 countries across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, all set to compete on Cambodian soil.
The championship is scheduled to run from February 10 to 13. While the event has traditionally been held in Siem Reap, this year marks the second consecutive time it has been relocated to Sihanoukville for its organization.
During a press conference held on February 9, Mr. Khov Chhay, President of the Khmer Boxing Federation, provided insights into the upcoming competition. He noted that while organizers had initially anticipated participation from over 30 countries, the final number of confirmed nations settled at 18. Mr. Chhay attributed this reduction to prevailing regional circumstances, stating that Cambodia is currently facing a war of aggression by the Thai military.
The scheduling of the championship also presented challenges. Originally planned for late 2025, the event’s postponement to early 2026 led to complications for some athletes who had already purchased travel tickets, necessitating cancellations.
Despite these hurdles, the president of the Khmer Boxing Federation expressed strong expectations for the successful organization of the 6th Khmer Martial Arts World Championship. He acknowledged that this year’s event would likely be more complex than previous editions, particularly concerning the hospitality extended to international delegates and participants.
Participating nations in this international competition include the host country Cambodia, along with the United States, China, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Spain, the Philippines, Iran, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Laos, Nepal, and Mauritania.
