Minister for Sports Justin Tkachenko

“After a long journey from distant corners of the globe, landing in a country one knows little about could perhaps have been daunting for the more inexperienced travelers among them, but we have made them feel more welcome in PNG,” Tkatchenko said.

All fifteen nations have now arrived in Papua New Guinea for the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

However, the 315 young athletes need not have worried about the kind of reception they would receive upon arrival in Papua New Guinea.

Minister for Sports Justin Tkachenko has challenged the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to ensure that proper plans and timelines are set out for the Kumuls’ preparations.

Tkachenko challenged PNGRFL to ensure that the crucial decisions that need to be made are made, and the proper plans and timelines are set out for the team’s preparations.

He said in a statement that the Kumuls’ win will also be a challenge for every player eligible for Kumul selection to prepare and perform to their very best in their respective competitions.