Bun Sok, President of the CSSF and general secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Education, explained the ambitions of the body and its upcoming plans.

"The federation will hold a National University Sport Tournament in search of promising male and female student-athletes that will both equally represent the nation in the upcoming ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] University Games and International University Sports Federation (FISU) events," he said, speaking to FISU.

"Since then, the federation has affiliated with a total of 21 universities.

"We are registered as a legal member of the National University Sports Federation (NUSF), which includes a total of 424 student-athletes - both males and females.

"The federation will help encourage more students and universities to become a legal member of the NUSF, honing their skills to level of the international competitive stage.

"The federation will help promote national prestige and strengthen our bond with the international community."

The CSSF was created in 2004, following the establishment of the Department of Physical Education and Students Sports the previous year.

Sok added the country would not be able to field athletes at the Lucerne 2021 FISU Winter Universiade due to the body continuing to be under financial constraints, as well as not having the latest technological equipment to aid development.

"This is why the federation will hold a National University Sport Tournament as planned to prepare for the upcoming Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games," added Sok.

"Furthermore, with the association of the Ministry of Youth and Education, the CSSF will also help ensure a progressive result in the enhancement of the educational system in Cambodia."