July 8 marked a historic day for the Cambodia Federation of Rugby (‘CFR’), as it was announced the nation would regain its associate membership within Asia Rugby.
President of the CFR, Ms Tan Theany, believes the achievement is recognition of the tireless efforts made to developing rugby within the country in recent years.
Related Article: Cambodia, Iraq and Palestine join the Asia Rugby Family and Afghanistan becomes a full member of Asia Rugby
“Returning to Asia Rugby has been the CFR’s main goal for the past four years,” she said.
“We have been working hard at youth, senior and administration levels to make sure we fulfill all the conditions to once again become part of Asia Rugby.”
Ms Theany also emphasised the dedication of the entire working team at CFR, who share in this significant milestone.
MADAME TAN THEANY – PRESIDENT OF CAMBODIA FEDERATION OF RUGBY 🏉🇰🇭@cambodiarugby99 @worldrugbymedia #Rugby #Asia pic.twitter.com/RDhIIfby86
— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) July 8, 2020
“The team has worked tirelessly to make this happen and now it has paid off,” she said.
“We know that this membership will bring many positive resources and benefits to Cambodia so that we, as the Federation, can promote and develop the sport of rugby in the most effective way.”
Ms Theany believes focus will now shift to providing players, coaches and officials an established pathway to progress the sport within Cambodia.
The President stated that partnerships with the Olympic Committee, Ministry of Education and non-Government organisations will aid in this process and allow CFR to achieve its goals.
Earlier this year, CFR hosted the ‘Get Into Rugby’ festival to signify the growing importance of rugby in Cambodia.
The festival, hosted by Asia Rugby Development Consultant Mr Benjamin van Rooyan, also allowed twenty of Cambodia’s national athletes complete their World Rugby Level Coaching certificates.
Ms Theany hopes that a strengthened relationship with Asia Rugby will result in CFR’s inclusion in international fixtures and assist in its plans to compete in the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh.
Rugby Development Officer for the CFR, Mr John Mojsa, trusts that being a part of the Asia Rugby family will allow the sport to grow within Cambodia at a rapid rate.
“We are excited for the COVID pandemic to be over,” he said.
“After that, we can start to plan for the future and take rugby in Cambodia to the next level.”
President Theany was incredibly thankful to the associations and individuals which ensured Cambodia were able to achieve such a feet.
“I would like to thank our Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and President of Asia Rugby Mr Qais Abdulla Al Dhalai,” she said.
“Without their strong and endless assistance, the CFR may not have been able to achieve this dream of rejoining Asia Rugby.”
With Cambodia the latest member of a growing World Rugby community, the future of the sport in Asia is continuing to brighten.
