OBN highlights: SEA Games 2023
OBN – The closing ceremony for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 17, 2023. Over 11,000 competitors from 11 nations competed in 526 events across 39 sports, making the Games a major success. More than 60,000 spectators are anticipated during the closing ceremony. Here are a few of the event’s high points:
Cambodia was the first time that the SEA Games had been held in the country, and the hosts did a fantastic job of putting on a world-class event. The venues were all top-notch, the competition was fierce, and the atmosphere was electric. The Games were held from May 5-17, 2023. There were 11,000 athletes from 11 countries competing in 526 events across 39 sports.
Vietnam was the overall winner of the Games, with 136 gold medals, 105 silver medals, and 122 bronze medals. Thailand came in second place with 107 gold medals, 96 silver medals, and 106 bronze medals. Indonesia finished third with 86 gold medals, 81 silver medals, and 111 bronze medals. Hosts Cambodia were fourth with 81 gold medals, 74 silver medals and 120 bronze medals.
There were many memorable moments from the Games, but some of the highlights include the Philippines men’s basketball team winning their first gold medal in 32 years, while Vietnam’s women’s football team won their first gold medal in 13 years. Thailand’s golfer Ratchanon Chantananuwat won the gold medal in men’s individual golf, becoming the youngest golfer to win a SEA Games gold medal.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Sorn Seavmey won the gold medal in women’s taekwondo, becoming the first Cambodian athlete to win a gold medal in the SEA Games. Indonesia’s sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri won the men’s 100m dash in a new national junior record time of 10.18 seconds. Indonesia also won its first gold medal in football in 32 years. This was Indonesia’s first gold medal in football since 1991.
The 2023 SEA Games were a huge success for Cambodia and for Southeast Asia as a whole. The Games helped to promote the region’s culture and sports, and they also helped to boost tourism. It is hoped that the Games will inspire the next generation of athletes to achieve their dreams. The successful event is a sign of the growing importance of Southeast Asia in the global sporting arena.
