Cambodia Baseball warm up for International Games

Kampong Speu, Cambodia (06 Feb 2011)

Cambodia Baseball Team learn a lesson from Korea coach before competition

The Cambodian Baseball Federation (CBF) and Kampong Speu Club have organized a Baseball Friendship competition for baseball players on February 5 at Heo Koo Youn Field, which in Kong Pisey District, Kampong Speu.

The purpose of competition is to test the team’s ability and warm up. It is also to motivate baseball payers to continue practicing in preparation for SEA games. In addition, it is also an opportunity for players to learn from each other and receive advices from Chairman of Technical Committee of Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA).

Ms. Chea Theary, Genderal Secretary of Cambodia Baseball Federation (CBF), said that CBF led 18 players of Cambodia National Baseball Team (CNBT) to compete with Phnom Penh Blue Wave. “This competition will take a full game of 9 [innings].”

Mr. Koo Youn Keo, Director of Korea Baseball Association and Chairman of Technical committee of BFA, said that he is very interested in Cambodia baseball. He has come to Cambodia for five times before, mainly after reading a newspaper that introduced baseball to country. Compare to three years ago, Cambodian baseball has improved significantly.

“I really want to support Cambodia baseball because Cambodia needs to have a good baseball team, field, stadium, coach and administration system. “I hope the Cambodia National Baseball Team enjoys Incheon 2014 Asian Games.”

Dr. Kevin Kim, Director of Kampong Speu Club said that “Mr. Koo Youn Keo will come to support Cambodia, but Cambodia needs a basic baseball infrastructure. The country also need to invite experience coaches, and should consider building an administration system.

“I hope Cambodia can take this opportunity to develop baseball and jump to the next step,” he told the Southeast Asia Weekly.

                                                                                                     

Mr. Nheb Saroueun, Technical Director of CNBT, said that Phnom Penh Blue Wave competes with his team two times previously. On February 25, CBF will recruit team members nationally to join international tournament, particularly in preparation for the 26^th SEA Games in Indonesia. That event will be host from 11 to 25 November 2011.

Rithy, 19, Catcher for the Phnom Penh Blue Wave, said that he has learned the game of baseball for two year. His team wishes to join CNBT and compete on international stage as well. Even though his team lost CNBT twice in previous competitions, he still believes the team can win in part due to drastic improvements made during practice.

The Cambodian National Baseball Team will participate in the 26^th SEA Games. This team has been training since 2007. The federation has been recognized by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and currently trains at Prasath Balaing Sports Complex in Kampong Thom province. The team had competed in the 2007 SEA Games and 2009 Asian Baseball Cup, both held in Bangkok, Thailand.

By S.L (Vol. 5, Issue 7, SEAW)