AT A GLANCE
For a small country tucked on the corridors of behemoth neighbors, Cambodia prepared an extravagant show that took years to be stitched together, putting up a vibrant combination of a light display and cultural performance that left everyone in awe inside the spanking new stadium.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—Thousands flocked the Morodok Techo Stadium in this capital city to witness the historic opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Friday, May 5.
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh on Friday, May 5, 2023. (AFP)
For a small country tucked on the corridors of behemoth neighbors, Cambodia prepared an extravagant show that took years to be stitched together, putting up a vibrant combination of a light display and cultural performance that left everyone in awe inside the spanking new stadium.
Athletes, coaches and officials braved the heavy traffic going to the 60,000-seater venue, with some fans even opting to walk for a few kilometers just to join the festivities that would mark the start of the two-week regional sporting meet.
Hosting the biennial meet for the first time, Cambodia showcased its history and famous landmarks such as the Angkor Wat through colorful cultural presentations.
Performers donned with traditional costumes drew cheers from the audience with their impressive demonstrations.
The stadium, whose structure was designed to resemble a sailing ship that symbolizes the Cambodia-China relations, lit up with light sticks on each seat while fireworks in between presentations drew oohs and aahs from the audience.
Presentations revolved with this edition’s slogan, “Sports: Live in Peace.”
The Philippines, with its token representation composed of all female athletes, joined the march of nations with volleyball star Alyssa Valdez carrying the country’s colors.
“I’m very overwhelmed. I know there are a lot of empowered women na makakasabay ko sa paglalakad ko ngayong gabi. I'm just inspired to share this moment again,” said Valdez prior to the parade of athletes.
“I’m grateful that women in sport are being recognized,” she added.
Accompanying them are Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino and Team PH chief of mission Chito Loyzaga.
Among those who marched for Team PH are Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, athletics bets Kristina Knott and Natalie Uy, woodpushers Janelle Mae Frayna and Shania Mae Mendoza and Filipinas’ Inna Palacios, to name a few.
A total of 584 events in 36 sports will be competed in this edition, where Team PH sent 905 athletes with hopes of improving its previous showing of 52 gold, 70 silver and 105 bronze medals.
As of Thursday, May 4, the Filipinos clinched two gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Cambodia, for its part, is on to its bid of claiming the overall championship for the first time as it currently leads the medal standings prior to the formal opening with five golds and four silvers.
