Cambodia is hosting the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games from May 7 to 16. It is the first time Cambodia has played host to the biennial event, which is also the first major international event to be held in the country since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. China paid $160m for the construction of the new Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, where the majority of the games will take place. Over 11,000 athletes, coaches and delegates from 11 nations will participate in competitions including athletics, swimming, badminton, football and Muay Thai. The games will be followed by the Southeast Asian Para Games in early June. The Cambodian government hopes the event will have benefits beyond the games themselves, promoting the country’s tourism, boosting national sentiment and showcasing the country’s stability ahead of parliamentary elections in July.