Your Excellencies, Members of the Senate, National Assembly, and Royal Government; Ambassadors, Members of the Presidium, National and International Distinguished Guests; Athletes and the entire gathering and beloved compatriots,
Today, I am truly delighted to join you in the opening ceremony of the 5th National Games and the 3rd National Para Games under the theme “Sports for National Unity”. The regular organization of the National Games and National Para Games is an initiative born from the steadfast will and visionary long-term outlook of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister, with the aim of providing athletes from all 25 capital and provinces the opportunity to showcase their abilities and talents, as well as to cultivate the spirit, willpower, and solidarity.
Furthermore, it demonstrates the Royal Government’s high regard for the invaluable worth of athletes, especially in promoting a shift in social attitudes toward persons with disabilities, aiming to create an inclusive, harmonious, and cohesive Cambodian society that leaves no citizen behind.
Beyond assessing capabilities and sharpening the spirit of athletes nationwide, the organization of the 5th National Games and the 3rd National Para Games has another vital objective: to better and more fully prepare ourselves to participate in and help host upcoming regional and international sporting events.
The Royal Government has set clear directions to prepare to host: (1) The 23rd ASEAN University Games in 2028; (2) The Asian Youth Para Games; (3) The Asian Youth Games in 2031.
I would like to commend the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, national sports federations, and all relevant stakeholders for their close cooperation and excellent coordination in organizing all event programs and venues clearly and orderly according to planned technical standards.
Sports are not merely competitive activities for medals or breaking records. Sports are a crucial medium for building healthy individuals with strong physical fitness, discipline, responsibility, and a team-working spirit. Sports are also a school that educates people to respect rules, respect opponents, accept outcomes, and stand back up upon failure.
Organizing the National Games every two years serves as a strategy to promote physical education and sports in Cambodian society, a tool to measure the capabilities of athletes and relevant ministries and institutions in organizing sporting events in preparation for future regional and international competitions, and a mechanism to monitor progress and evaluate strengths and weaknesses to set future development directions.
Organizing the National Para Games alongside the National Games demonstrates that human capability is not measured solely by physical attributes, but rather by talent, hard work, and achievements. Moreover, athletes with disabilities are symbols of patience, unyielding willpower, and the struggle toward goals, while their participation reminds us that obstacles are not a valid reason to give up opportunities.
In this sense, citizens and communities must join hands with the Royal Government to build a Cambodian society that provides every individual the opportunity to develop their capacities, showcase their talents, and fully and equally participate in socio-economic activities.
Once again, I highly value the organizing committee, relevant ministries and institutions, local authorities, armed forces, coaches, athletes, and all stakeholders who have participated and worked hard to organize this national sporting event. I wish the 2026 5th National Games and 3rd National Para Games brilliant success, and I wish all athletes the best results imbued with the spirit of sportsmanship, fairness, and friendship.
Finally, in declaring open the 5th National Games and the 3rd National Para Games 2026, I wish Your Excellencies, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, ladies, gentlemen, and the entire gathering robust health, family happiness, and success in all tasks, along with the five Buddhist blessings of longevity, beauty, happiness, strength, and wisdom. Thank you.
