Cambodian finswimmers win 46 medals in Malaysia
The aquatics federation says the result is Cambodia’s best yet, as it looks towards medal success at Asian-level competitions.
Cambodia won 11 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals at the 2026 Southeast Asia and Southeast Asia Age Group Finswimming Championship in Johor, Malaysia. The competition ran from October 29 to 31, with the squad returning home on November 1.
Hem Kiry, secretary-general of the Cambodia Aquatics Federation, said the 46-medal haul exceeded expectations and set a national best, beating the team’s results at the two preceding Southeast Asian championships. Cambodia entered a larger contingent of 17 athletes, with age categories extending from under-seven to over-18.
Kiry said four golds came on the opening day alone, compared with one at the previous competition. He credited cooperation among federation officials, coaches and swimmers, highlighting the performances of younger competitors against experienced opposition from Vietnam and Indonesia.
According to Kiry, Cambodia established finswimming in 2022. The federation now wants to build on its regional results by pursuing medals in Asian competition, and he appealed for additional support to help coaches and athletes progress.
Kiry pointed to a young Cambodian female swimmer who had previously competed in China, placing fourth and fifth in her events without winning a medal. He said that experience suggested opportunities to compete against major Asian sporting nations, including Japan and China.
