Arya News - Cambodia lost 3-0 to Indonesia during the group stage and had never previously beaten the Indonesians in international competition, including a straight-sets defeat in the final of the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh in 2023.
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian men’s volleyball team made history last night, with a gritty, resilient 3-2 victory over Indonesia to claim the SEA V-Cup 2026 trophy.
Cambodia stunned the regional powerhouse 25-23, 28-26, 23-25, 22-25, 15-11, completing one of the greatest upsets in the country’s volleyball history.
The result defied expectations. Cambodia lost 3-0 to Indonesia during the group stage and had never previously beaten the Indonesians in international competition, including a straight-sets defeat in the final of the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh in 2023.
Aing Serey Piseth, vice-president and secretary-general of the Volleyball Federation of Cambodia (VFC), joined the team in lifting the in an emotional celebration, seemingly oblivious to a fractured arm he had suffered only moments earlier, after falling while running onto the court carrying the Cambodian flag following the dramatic victory.
The arena erupted when outside hitter Voeun Veasna delivered the decisive point in the fifth set, sealing a victory that few believed was possible.
The triumph also reflected Cambodia’s remarkable progress throughout the tournament.
Before reaching the final, the team had already shocked regional heavyweight Thailand with a 3-1 victory in the semi-finals — a result that sparked widespread criticism from Thai supporters directed at their own team after losing to a side many had previously underestimated.
Cambodia’s victory, however, was widely viewed as the reward for years of steady development, determination and disciplined preparation rather than a complete surprise. The title represented a dramatic turnaround from Cambodia’s debut appearance in the competition in 2025, when the team lost all eight of its matches.
Veasna capped an outstanding tournament by collecting two individual awards — Best Outside Hitter and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Teammate Suon Channaroth was named Best Setter, adding further recognition to Cambodia’s historic campaign.
Behind the team’s success, Serey Piseth has become widely recognised as one of the key figures supporting the national programme, regularly travelling with the squad, helping resolve logistical challenges and working closely with the coaching staff to improve performances throughout the tournament.
“Today we’re celebrating this victory, but I have a small problem with my left arm after falling onto it. I’m now at the hospital in the Philippines to find out whether there’s any damage to the bone,” he said.
Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that his left arm had sustained a fracture.
He is not expected to return to Cambodia immediately for treatment, as he will continue leading the national team during the second leg of the SEA V-Cup 2026 in Indonesia.
Prime Minister Hun Manet and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, who serves as VFC president, both issued congratulatory messages following the historic triumph.
Many supporters have also called for the team to receive an official welcome home in recognition of bringing unprecedented international success to Cambodian volleyball.
“As VFC president, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our delegation, coaching staff and players, who worked tirelessly from the group stage through to winning the ASEAN SEA V-Cup championship for our nation,” said Sokha.
He also praised the backing of Cambodian supporters both at home and abroad.
“Whether they cheered from the stands or followed the matches through the media, they stood behind our players as one Cambodian family. This men’s volleyball team has proven that having a smaller population or a smaller country is no barrier to achieving success,” he added.