The Embassy of Pakistan in Cambodia organised a vibrant Food and Sports Festival on April 5, 2025, at the Phnom Penh’s 360 Badminton Club to mark Pakistan’s National Day. The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, officials from various ministries of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and members of both the Pakistani and Cambodian communities.
The event began with the presence of Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, and was followed by the playing of the Pakistani and Cambodian national anthems, which provided a patriotic tone for the festivities.
A key highlight of the event was the food festival, which featured a live cooking station serving a variety of traditional Pakistani dishes. Additionally, stalls showcasing Pakistani handicrafts, products, and exhibits on the rich history of the Gandhara civilization were set up, offering guests a cultural experience.
The sport segment featured a lively badminton tournament. Ten two-player teams represented embassies including France, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States, as well as Cambodia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Education, Youth and Sport, and National Defence. An additional 40 teams participated from among local badminton enthusiasts.
The competition was divided into two categories: the Embassy Group and the Amateur Group. After hours of fascinating and rigorous competition, the champions of both categories were determined.
In the Embassy Group, the Ministry of Commerce claimed first place, followed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in second, and the Ministry of National Defence in third.
In the Amateur Group, the team of Kimlong and Kimseng secured first place. The second place was won by Norng Vongtorngming and Sa, while Chon Leng Ea and Judy Chea took third place.
Regardless of the results, everyone who participated in the competition had a good time and got acquainted. This goal fulfilled the aspirations of organising this badminton event to honor Pakistan’s National Day.
The Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia believes that sports are an effective way to bring people together and build bridges of friendship and mutual respect. Because sport is a language, people do not need to speak the same language to communicate with one another. This is why the Embassy chooses to incorporate sports into many of its major events.
On August 10, 2024, the Pakistan Embassy also held a badminton competition to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence Day. The competition attracted 42 teams from the embassies of Pakistan, the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. The remaining 32 teams were local.
