Doping scandal leads to removal of bodybuilding from 2023 SEA Games

Bodybuilding was removed from the 2023 Southeast Asian Games roster, after a couple of Cambodian bodybuilders tested positive for banned substances.

This new development is unprecedented, as Cambodia prepares to host the SEA Games for the first time from May 5 to 17. The Kingdom will subsequently be the venue of the 12th ASEAN Para Games from June 3 to 9.

The removal of the bodybuilding from the next SEA Games was announced during a press conference early this week at the Cambodian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (CBFF) building in Phnom Penh.

CBFF President Tek Bunvy said that two of their bodybuilders, Phann Narith and Seang Meng San, admitted to have used performance-enhancing steroids during the 3rd National Games.

“Because of their actions, we lost the opportunity to compete in the upcoming SEA Games,” said Bunvy, who was joined in the press event by top sports officials and members of the national bodybuilding team.

A 25-member group, which includes athletes and coaches, was supposed to represent Cambodia in 2023 SEA Games bodybuilding competitions.

Bodybuilding was one of 38 regular sports chosen for the next SEA Games.
“We, especially our athletes, are very much disappointed. They have trained very hard, both for local and international competitions. Now, we are in this situation where the actions of a few people affected everyone,” the CBFF official said.

It is rare for any sport to be dropped from the SEA Games list, with only a few months remaining before the event is held.
The news was a shock to many in the Cambodian sporting community.

Strengthened anti-doping measures

This surprising development comes as Cambodia started to strengthen its campaign against doping in sports ahead of the SEA Games.

A few months back, the Cambodia Anti-Doping Agency staged a Doping Control Officer (DCO) Training Course to make them ready for the 2023 SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games.The course, which covered all aspects of anti-doping, was intended to build the capacity of the relevant DCO, local media reported at the time.

In March 2022, a Cambodian delegation headed by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) Under-Secretary of State Bou Chumserey took part in the 17th Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, which was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Prime Minister Hun Sen earlier warned Cambodian athletes against doping.
In his speech before the Indonesia-bound Para Games delegation in July 2022, the Cambodian leader stressed that doping should be avoided at all cost.

“The most important thing is to make sure that the rules and regulations of the games are followed – all athletes must avoid any violation of the rules. My second point is that athletes have to absolutely avoid the use of banned substances, as it would tarnish the image of the nation,” he said.

“Winning gold or silver – or not winning at all – does not matter. Doping would be a disgrace to the nation. The medals that the entire rest of the team win would not be enough to outweigh the damage done to our reputation,” the Cambodian premier added.

To read about the bumper prizes for Cambodia athletes click here.