The PNG boxing team are finalising their preparations for next week’s Asian Oceania Olympic qualifying tournament in Qian’an city, China.
The team of four has been training for the last two weeks at the high performance training centre in Baguio, the Philippines.
Head coach of the PNG boxing team, Joe Aufa says he’s been grateful for the assistance from fellow coaches from Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines
“The sparring sessions, the padding sessions and training together is quite valuable to us coaches to assess our boxers on the areas of fitness, technique and skills,” said Aufa.
PNG’s team of Charlie Keama (52kg), Thadius Katua (60kg), Andrew Aisaga (69kg) and Jonathan Keama (75kg) will complete their high performance training this weekend.
“I have told the boys I want them to push themselves as hard as they can, not only for themselves and their families, but also for our country.
“We all know that in China, the competition is going to be intense and if my boys happen to be drawn against boxers from the Philippines, Australia or Malaysia in the ring, there is no time to be friends anymore,” said Aufa.
The Olympic qualifiers will run from March 25- April 3.
Thirty-eight countries are expected to attend the two-week event that will decide which three boxers in each weight category will secure places for the Rio Olympics in August.
The PNG boxing team along with Australia will leave for China next Tuesday.