Cambodia has included some sports that are unique to Cambodia, such as Koon Vokattur. Bodybuilding was dropped from this edition because Cambodia faced an athlete shortage. At the last Games in 2021 in Vietnam, Cambodia only won 63 medals. This time it was won 282. Tinkering with the lineup can also hinder the other state goal of the Games: to promote regional unity.
Tomorrow, Syria’s president will be welcomed back into the Arab League as regional leaders meet in Jeddah. Is this the dictator’s first step in a journey to restore ties with the rest of the world? America’s small banks are capturing rural communities in a way that the big ones can’t. And, the world’s largest sporting tournament features some rather niche events.
Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurvey
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer
Runtime: TK min