According to the original plan, Cambodia was expected to participate in 21 events. However, in a letter to Mr. Chaiyapak Siriwat - Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, Cambodia proposed not to participate in judo, karate, pencak silat, petanque, boxing, wushu, football and Takraw. These are all collective sports.
Despite the withdrawal, Cambodia continues to participate in 13 other sports, including swimming, athletics, Esports, boxing, gymnastics, jujitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, horse riding, jetski, 3 combined sports, teqball and volleyball.
According to Thai media, Cambodia raised security concerns and hoped to ensure the safety of athletes and accompanying members. The representative of the Thai congress said that they have not received any signs of warning. Cambodian media even recorded that 300 athletes of this country met with the Minister of Sports to receive training just one day before.
According to the draw for men's football, U22 Cambodia is in Group A with U22 Thailand and U22 Timor Leste. If Cambodia does not participate, this group will have only 2 teams left. The remaining groups of men's and women's football also have disruptions in the number of teams.
Although withdrawing from 8 events, Cambodia affirmed that it will not boycott the 33rd SEA Games and still send delegations to participate in the remaining events.
