Anna 
The Embassy of Pakistan in Cambodia celebrated Pakistan’s National Day with a vibrant Food and Sports Festival on April 5, 2025, at the 360 Badminton Club in Phnom Penh. The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Cambodian government officials, and the Pakistani and Cambodian communities.
Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, opened the festivities, with the national anthems of both Pakistan and Cambodia setting a patriotic tone for the day.
A standout feature of the event was the food festival, which featured a live cooking station offering an array of traditional Pakistani dishes. Additionally, stalls highlighted Pakistani handicrafts, products, and exhibits showcasing the history of the Gandhara civilization, providing guests with a rich cultural experience.
The sports segment was equally engaging, with a lively badminton tournament taking center stage. Teams from various embassies, including France, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States, as well as officials from Cambodia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Education, Youth and Sport, and National Defence, participated. Another 40 teams from local badminton enthusiasts joined in.
The competition was split into two categories: the Embassy Group and the Amateur Group. In the Embassy Group, the Ministry of Commerce claimed the top spot, followed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in second, and the Ministry of National Defence in third. In the Amateur Group, Kimlong and Kimseng emerged victorious, with Norng Vongtorngming and Sa in second, and Chon Leng Ea and Judy Chea in third.
Despite the competitive nature of the event, the focus remained on camaraderie, with participants enjoying the opportunity to meet and connect. The Embassy of Pakistan in Cambodia views sports as a powerful tool for fostering friendship and mutual respect, as it transcends language barriers.
This sports initiative follows a similar badminton competition held in August 2024 to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence Day, further emphasizing the Embassy’s commitment to integrating sports into cultural celebrations.
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