Phnom penh: Cambodia has claimed its first medal at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, securing a bronze in Pencak Silat ahead of the event’s official opening on Oct. 22.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the bronze medal was won by Phuk Daniel, who competed in the Class D (over 51kg-55kg) category, after he was defeated by Indonesia’s Habbil Furgon Winata in the semi-final.

Cambodia has sent a 128-member delegation comprising officials, coaches, and under-18 athletes to the regional sports event.

Hosted by Bahrain from Oct. 22 to 31, the 3rd Asian Youth Games will feature Cambodian athletes competing in 14 disciplines, namely athletics, swimming, badminton, 3×3 basketball, judo, Kun Khmer, jujitsu, mixed martial arts, table tennis, taekwondo WT, wrestling, weightlifting, pencak silat, and table football.

Beyond competition, Cambodia will also take part in the event’s cultural programme. The Cambodian delegation is set to perform at the closing ceremony and formally receive the host flag from Bahra
in, symbolising the handover for the 2029 Asian Youth Games, which Cambodia will host.