Defence Ministry Secretary of State and Cambodian Badminton Federation president Li Kosal, together with Preah Sihanouk Governor Mang Sineth, addressed the closing of a badminton tournament on Sunday afternoon, January 18,2026 at TR Club in Sihanoukville’s Sangkat 1. It celebrated the 47th anniversary of January 7 Victory Day and the 25th January 7 Cup in 2026.
Twelve clubs fielded 156 male and female athletes in 10 events involving 72 medals and 98 matches. The overall rankings were:1.TR Tope Badminton Club;2.Connect Badminton Club; and 3.National Police Youth Club.
Governor Mang Sineth praised and highly valued the federation’s leaders and team, the organising committee and all involved for their physical effort, commitment, intellect and technical work in ensuring fair competition and positive results. This matched the government’s attention to strengthening the quality of physical education, sport, science and technology.
The provincial administration had cooperated with relevant ministries and institutions, especially the Education, Youth and Sport Department serving as its coordinating staff, to develop physical education and sport technically and practically, strengthening provincial male and female athletes’ capabilities and energy for competing and winning at different events.
The administration also encouraged and supported sport in every form, including building physical sports infrastructure and installing equipment in public spaces. It aimed to encourage everyone, regardless of age, gender, position or status, to care for their health through exercise and sport and improve physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual well-being.
The report said the government in the National Assembly’s seventh legislature, under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s correct, idealistic, energetic, wise, meticulous and determined leadership, continued developing physical education and sport as a new vision guiding national sport towards modernisation, public well-being, improved household and national economies and national standing internationally. It particularly emphasised developing young athletes under 13 to compete for medals at the Asian Youth Games Cambodia would host in the future.
Li Kosal said the 2026 January 7 Cup offered male and female athletes opportunities to demonstrate talent and ability and assess the technical skills trained at their clubs, while strengthening friendship, national unity and Cambodian athletes’ technical quality on the way to hosting the 2031 Asian Youth Games. Competition proceeded smoothly without negative behaviour and in the spirit of “Sport for health, friendship and solidarity.” Winning or losing, it was a success for every club and athlete. By Pai Sokhim.
