AKP Phnom Penh, July 03, 2026 -- Cambodia and Japan have agreed to deepen sports cooperation across athlete development, sports science, and inclusivity, as both nations gear up for major regional competitions.

The pledge came during a Tokyo meeting on June 2 between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, and Japanese Olympic Committee senior board member Mr. Hayashi Hajime.

Both sides hailed their long-standing partnership and vowed to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

Japan welcomed Cambodia’s participation in the 20th Asian Games, hosted by Aichi and Nagoya this autumn, while Cambodia extended an invitation for Japan to join the 2029 Asian Youth Games in Phnom Penh.

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron outlined seven pillars for collaboration: Coach and athlete exchanges; Sports medicine and performance analytics; School physical education; Administrative governance; Gender inclusion; Para-sports development; and Digital innovation.

He also thanked Japan for dispatching judo and karate coaches and for its "Sport for Tomorrow" initiative, which has boosted Cambodian athletic and official capacity.

By K. Rithy Reak