France and Cambodia share their love for pétanque in Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, pétanque is more than a pastime, it's a passion. When Poution Chandara started playing at 18, he had no idea that the game came from France. He has since become a renowned Cambodian national team player, competing in the World Championships as Pétanque has surged in popularity across the country in recent years. Thank you very much. I played football when I was young, but my neighbours played Pétanque, so I followed their example. I liked it and I've been playing Pétanque ever since. Thank you. Cambodia has deep historical, cultural and linguistic ties to its former colonial power. The French introduced pétanque when Cambodia was a French protectorate. After independence in 1953, Cambodians made the Provençal game their own. Kay Leng, who now coaches the Cambodian women's team, won four straight world titles in precision shooting. She remembers going head to head with the French. Even though the French are very strong, I managed to beat them. I defeated them twice in the group stage and in the final. I know. Having already hosted the World Championships, the game has extended far beyond the capital, from Kandal Province to Battambang in the west and Kampot in the south. While Federation Play is anchored by some 400 licensed members, Petong boasts thousands of casual amateurs across Cambodia.