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Twins aspiring to empower kids, women through art, fighting in Cambodia

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 3:41 pm
by CEOCambodiaNews
The twins aspiring to empower kids, women through art, fighting in Cambodia
Published 13 August 2019
by Pann Rethea

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PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/ANN) - Twins Sor Sophany and Sor Sophanin share a lot in common, but most important among the pair’s similarities are - firstly their love for painting, as well as encouraging children to paint.

Naturally, twins Sor Sophany and Sor Sophanin share a lot of common –
not least their names – but most important among the pair’s
similarities are two things; firstly their love for painting, as well as
encouraging children to paint.

Secondly, when the twins put down their brushes, they wrap their
hands and practice Bokator, an ancient form of combat first practiced by
Khmer fighters more than a thousand years ago.

Sophany and Sophanin say that both painting and fighting have
contributed to their sense of empowerment and boosted their confidence
as women.

Born in 1989, the twins were raised in Siem Reap town, where the
ancient temples of the Angkor Kingdom still bear carvings depicting
Bokator.

University graduates in Finance and Banking, the twin’s
parents initially disapproved of the women practicing a combat sport, so
Sophany and Sophanin began learning Bokator secretly in 2015.

“I started learning Bokator in 2015 twice a week, every Saturday and
Sunday. Now I am brown Kroma level,” 30-year-old Sophany said.

The sisters said safety, their interest in Khmer heritage and
inspiring other women were the major reasons they started their Bokator
journey.

“I was a weak Khmer girl. We cannot predict when there will be a
problem, but if I know Bokator, at least I can defend myself before I
receive help. I do love Bokator, but the word love is not enough. It is a
part of Khmer heritage and I want to encourage Cambodian women to
protect Khmer culture,” Sophany said, wearing her Bokator uniform.
https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/the-twin ... n-cambodia