Fencing in Cambodia is a relatively young sport compared to its long-standing European and Asian counterparts, but it has grown steadily in recent decades, carving out a space in the country’s modern sporting culture.

Early Beginnings

Fencing was introduced to Cambodia in the late 20th century, primarily through international influence and the efforts of passionate individuals. It gained traction after the Khmer Rouge era, during a period when Cambodia was rebuilding its national identity, infrastructure, and sports programs. Fencing was one of many sports reintroduced to promote youth engagement, discipline, and international representation.

Formation of the Cambodian Fencing Federation

The Cambodian Fencing Federation (CFF) was officially established in the 1990s with the mission of developing the sport across the country. The Federation began organizing local competitions, training camps, and slowly building a national team. Support often came from international bodies like the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE) and regional fencing federations in Asia, who provided training, equipment, and technical expertise.

International Participation

Cambodia’s fencers started participating in Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and other regional competitions in the 2000s. These appearances were milestones for the country, not necessarily for podium finishes, but for the increasing visibility of Cambodian athletes on the regional stage. The Cambodian fencing community has since focused on youth development and coaching capacity to improve international competitiveness.

Recent Developments

In recent years, fencing has gained more attention, particularly among youth in urban areas like Phnom Penh. Schools and universities have started incorporating fencing as a recreational and competitive sport. The CFF continues to promote grassroots participation while investing in elite athlete development. As of the 2020s, Cambodia fields athletes in all three fencing disciplines: épée, foil, and sabre.

Cambodia also hosted fencing events during the 2023 SEA Games, which it organized — a major achievement that helped raise the profile of the sport domestically.