Cambodia's teqball athletes have delivered an early boost for the nation's delegation at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, securing two bronze medals in the sport's debut at the continental event.

Die Kimyan claimed a bronze in women's singles, while the duo of Yon Sophornraksmey and Mey Sreymeas earned a podium finish in women's doubles. The medals marked Cambodia's first of the games.

The country picked up a third bronze on Monday when MMA fighter Chheng Dalin placed in the women's under-60kg division. Chheng fell on points in a tight semifinal against Uzbekistan's Khiola Sobirova, but reaching the last four was enough to guarantee her a medal.

Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and chef de mission for the delegation, said the results exceeded expectations for a sport still finding its footing internationally.

"The Asian Games is an extremely high-level competition," he said. "We did not anticipate that teqball, which is still developing, would produce these medals. Our efforts have helped our sports sector grow and gain recognition, allowing us to compete on equal terms with the other 45 countries and regions across Asia."

Chamroeun, who also heads the Cambodia Teqball Federation, expressed hope that the early success would galvanize athletes across the rest of Cambodia's contingent.

"These first two bronze medals from our teqball athletes are an example to encourage the other sports that are preparing and competing here," he said. "We hope that at the 20th Asian Games we will return home with more medals than we did at the 19th Asian Games in China in 2023."

Cambodia has sent 106 athletes to Japan, competing across 14 sports. Six disciplines — jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, triathlon, karate, mixed martial arts, and esports — have been identified as the strongest medal prospects.

Chamroeun added that the delegation has received direct support from Education, Youth and Sport Minister Hang Chuon Naron and NOCC president Thong Khon, who traveled to Japan to watch the competition in person.

"All Cambodian people are providing energy and support from behind to the entire team, and we hope that over the next few days we will continue to achieve success," he said.