Sombo Suphorn links future in bodybuilding to Vietnam Pro Card attempt
The Cambodian athlete says financial pressures could prompt a two-year break or permanent retirement if he misses out on October 24.
An October 24 contest in Vietnam could determine whether Cambodian bodybuilder Sombo Suphorn continues competing. He said another unsuccessful attempt to obtain a Pro Card could lead to a two-year break, while persistent funding difficulties might force him to retire permanently.
Suphorn identified spending on specialised nutrition, training and overseas competitions as a major reason for considering retirement. He said he had covered most expenses himself, with limited backing from institutions or companies, and would not give up if a sponsor supported his competitions.
He had intended only to accompany his trainees to Vietnam. Encouragement from fellow bodybuilders and his coach and older brother, Sombo Nun, changed his mind. He will contest a single category: Pro Qualifier Men’s Classic Physique Open A.
At the 2026 IFBB Malaysia competition on October 17 and 18, Suphorn placed fifth in the Pro Qualifier’s Men’s Classic Physique Open A category and reached the top eight in Men’s Physique Open A. His NPC Regional placings in those categories were second and fourth, respectively.
According to Suphorn, winning an eligible open Pro Qualifier category is required before facing other category winners for a Pro Card. He said obtaining the card would keep him competing and bring IFBB support. The qualification is needed for his ambition to become the first Cambodian bodybuilder at Mr Olympia.
