News

Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball teams gear up for Para Games

The Cambodian wheelchair basketball teams and their coach are committed to do their best to bring glory for the nation during the 12th ASEAN Para Games, which will begin this week in Cambodia.

During an exclusive interview with Khmer Times Cross-Talk yesterday, Cambodia wheelchair basketball coach Muy Seu said that he has been coaching 24 basketball players on both the mens’ and womens’ teams. There are 12 ladies and 12 men on the teams, and all are geared up to compete.

He added that both teams are competing in two categories, and so each team has two chances to win gold at the ASEAN Para Games this year.

“It’s my belief as a coach that the team has an 85% chance to win the gold medal for the country, and the rest depends on the athletes’ hopes.”

“I am proud to be a Cambodian wheelchair basketball coach who can join the race to win a medal for our nation,” he said.

Seu said that he has mentored with French and Canadian basketball coaches. He also trained in Thailand before being appointed Cambodia’s national wheelchair basketball coach.

“I want to call on all Cambodians to show strong support to all our disabled athletes and wheelchair basketball players – to encourage our athletes to win,” he said.

He added that challenges face Cambodian wheelchair basketball because the team does not have enough staff to support players. While this is a challenge, none of our athletes have dropped out and they’re showing a strong commitment to bring great achievements for themselves and the nation.

“I encourage all disabled people to join in and try to play sports and represent our nation,” he said. “The Cambodian wheelchair basketball federation helps everyone to register and become a player.”

One of the Cambodian wheelchair basketball players also joined the conversation. Doung Chanreaksa said that she and her team will work hard to win for Cambodia and everyone is committed to get a gold medal during the ASEAN Para Games.

“My team and I will be working hard and giving all our ability to the competition,” said Chanraksa.

She said that she has ten years of experience playing wheelchair basketball and she is practiced at playing defensive positions.

“I am on the national wheelchair basketball team mainly because my friends encouraged me and pushed me to play,” she said.

She said she helped win gold and silver medals at the Indonesian Para Games last year.

“I gained a lot of experience from international competitions already,” she said. “They got me ready for the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia this year.”

“I spend six hours a day training. So, it is a little bit challenging for me,” she said. “And the rest of my time, I don’t have a regular job to do.”

“My livelihood is fine even though I haven’t another job because the government supports the team financially,” she said. “This national funding for athletes is one of the most important things that comes from pushing hard to play for our country.”

She added that she encourages all Cambodian people, both old and young, to join in and play sports together no matter which sport is their favorite.

She added, “I want to encourage disabled women never to be shy or get depressed, and please,  let’s play sports together.”

Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com