Secretary general Vath Chamreoun said the issue represented the "biggest challenge" for the NOCC, even ahead of infrastructure and investment.

The country is currently laying out its "road-map" for what promises to be the largest sporting event Cambodia has ever held.

Action will take place in capital Phnom Penh.

“We need to augment our human resources so that we can create a healthy progression of athletes, administrators, coaches, officials and even volunteers,” Vath said at a seminar at the Sokhalay Hotel in Siam Reap, which featured 35 participants.

“This batch is the first to be systematically trained, and you have great responsibility in making use of this platform to hone your leadership skills so that you can pass them on to build our reserves.

"Mental toughness, positive thinking and a zest for excellence are the core elements required to create good leadership culture. 

"You can brighten your own future and that of the organisation you represent with a purpose-driven, result-oriented approach."

Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary general Low Beng Choo, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee's Women and Sport Commission, gave a speech at the seminar which also covered women in sport leadership and training.

Cambodia finished eighth in the medals table at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, winning one gold, five silver and nine bronze medals.