Cambodia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the global campaign against doping in sports, emphasising its dedication to integrity, fairness, and the “Play True” spirit.
The commitment was highlighted during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties and 20th Anniversary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
The high-level gathering convened over 300 participants from 60 European and Asian member states, including approximately 30 ministers responsible for sports and education.
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Chairman of the Cambodia Anti-Doping Agency (CADA), represented the Kingdom, underscoring Cambodia’s efforts to advance its national anti-doping framework.
In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister marked the Convention’s 20th anniversary as a significant moment to reflect on two decades of international cooperation aimed at preserving the values of ethics, integrity, and fairness in sports. He stressed that the true essence of sports lies not merely in breaking records or winning medals, but in the pursuit of excellence through perseverance and fair play.
He affirmed that the principles of integrity, health, and justice must be integral to the global sports structure, noting that the new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code represents a shared commitment to uphold these values worldwide.
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron recalled that since Cambodia’s ratification of the Convention in 2007, the Royal Government has implemented numerous measures to strengthen its Cambodia anti-doping Agency (CADA), establish a robust regulatory framework, and enhance public awareness and education on the dangers of prohibited substances.
Cambodia remains a strong supporter of the UNESCO Convention, the WADA Code, and international standards. The nation is dedicated to creating a national compliance platform, led by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, which unites key stakeholders, including the National Olympic Committee and national sports federations, to align with international principles of integrity and fairness.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised Cambodia’s endorsement of the revised 2027 WADA Code and the newly proposed mechanisms for the global sports integrity ecosystem. He firmly reaffirmed Cambodia’s pledge to advance anti-doping initiatives in line with international guidance, striving toward clean and fair competitions under the spirit of “Play True.”
He concluded by expressing sincere appreciation to the South East Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (SEARADO), WADA, and the International Testing Agency (ITA) for their continuous technical support in building capacity and strengthening CADA to ensure full compliance with international standards.
