PHNOM PENH, May 25 -- Cambodia's second National Games kicked off at the Olympic Stadium here on Friday with shows of traditional Apsara dance, martial arts, acrobatics, a sports parade and fireworks.

King Norodom Sihamoni lit the ceremonial Games torch at the Royal Palace and gave the flame to the country's star athletes, who then ran in a torch relay to the Olympic Stadium. Once there, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen lit the cauldron to mark the official start of the Games.

"I would like to declare the second national games officially open now," the prime minister briefly spoke at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 60,000 people.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron said that some 4,163 athletes, coaches and referees took part in the Games, which will last until June 4.

He said the Games is another historic milestone in the development of the sports sector in the country, which will host the 32nd SEA-Games in 2023.

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