The opening ceremony of Cambodia’s 5th National Games and 3rd National Games for Persons with Disabilities will be held at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on November 7, 2026. Prime Minister Hun Manet will preside over the event, which is expected to attract approximately 30,000 spectators.
Vath Chamroeun, Secretary-General of the Cambodian National Olympic Committee, said the event is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia and other stakeholders. Its purpose is to gain experience and prepare for Cambodia’s hosting of the 2028 ASEAN University Games, the 2029 Asian Youth Para Games and the 2031 Asian Youth Games.
The games carry the theme “Sports Promote National Unity.” The opening ceremony’s artistic program features a star-studded lineup, including popular rapper Vann Da, who performed at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, the royal “genius little princess” Jenna, and renowned singers including Tep Boprek.
Held every two years, the games feature 42 sports and 304 events. The National Games include 32 sports and 258 events, while the National Games for Persons with Disabilities include 10 sports and 46 events, covering athletics, swimming, football, basketball, badminton and wheelchair basketball.
The opening ceremony will also incorporate traditional Khmer culture, with approximately 50 artists presenting traditional shadow puppetry and showcasing the unique appeal of Cambodia’s intangible cultural heritage.
