PHNOM PENH: Techo Keo Vichey Baromey Chao Sen from Pursat province was crowned the fastest boat in this year, after three days of races on Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the announcement was made by H.E. Bou Chum Serey, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Boat Racing Technical Committee, at the end of the boat races this evening. The two runners up are Saray Techo Senchey from Kandal province and Koh Ker Thipadei from Preah Vihear province.

For the most beautiful boats of 2024, the first winner is Tripheap Oudom Sen Chey Baromey Tepy from Kampong Chhnang province. Narin Rainsey Pichey Chetraboth from Battambang province and Duong Soriya Stung Sen Baromey Kdei Daung from Kampong Thom province secured second and third places, respectively.

The three-day boat races concluded successfully under the royal presidency of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sih
amoni, King of Cambodia. The event was attended by Cambodian top leaders, high-ranking officials, and foreign ambassadors.

This year, nearly 348 boats with over 22,042 rowers from various parts of the country participated in the boat racing, which is a key event of the Water Festival held from November 14 to 16. Although the official ceremonies have ended, entertainment programs continued until midnight with thousands of enthusiastic spectators.