AKP Phnom Penh, February 23, 2026 --

Cambodia’s leading Khmer chess (Ouk Chatrang) player, Sok Limheng, has once again claimed the national championship title, securing his sixth national gold medal after winning the 2025 National Khmer Chess Championship.

The tournament concluded successfully on the evening of Feb. 22 at the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, with Sok Limheng defeating Chea Sideth in a closely contested final. The competition featured 65 players from 18 clubs nationwide.

Speaking after receiving his gold medal, Sok Limheng said this year’s championship was particularly challenging, noting strong pressure from top competitors including Chea Sideth, Chhoy Vira, and Chheav Bora, all former national champions.

He also encouraged Cambodian youth to take up Khmer chess, highlighting its role in developing critical thinking, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.

Sok Limheng’s achievements include a gold and silver medal at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, two Angkor Sankranta championship (Sdech Ok – King of Chess) titles in 2018 and 2023, and six national championship victories, five of them consecutive.

Cambodian Khmer Chess Federation Secretary-General Mr. Sek Sophak said the tournament aims to identify talented players for national team training and international competitions, while also preserving and promoting Ouk Chatrang as an important part of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

The four-day championship, held from February 19-22, was supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and brought together players from across the country.

Article in Khmer by Heng Nalin
Article in English by C. Nika