PHNOM PENH, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's third National Games kicked off here at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on Monday evening with shows of martial arts, traditional dances and fireworks.
Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen presided over the opening ceremony of the biennial event, which was attended by approximately 60,000 people.
Addressing the event, Hun Sen said sports play a very important role in building relations and strengthening solidarity and friendship, and that the event was crucial to help boost the development of the country's sports sector.
"The event is essential to build capacities, talents, and professional skills for Cambodian athletes in a journey towards the SEA Games and Para Games in 2023 when Cambodia is the host," he said.
Meanwhile, the Cambodian leader expressed his profound gratitude to China for funding and constructing the Morodok Techo National Stadium for Cambodia, saying that the stadium would be the centerpiece venue for tournaments when Cambodia hosts the SEA Games for the first time in 2023.
Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron said some 4,336 athletes and delegates took part in 38 sports with 356 events.
"The National Games provides an opportunity for athletes to participate in competitions and to measure their abilities as well as to gain experience from the competitions," he said.
"It is also a test of the opening and closing ceremonies in preparation for hosting the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games in 2023," he added.
The third National Games will last until Nov. 30. ■
