Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko

Speaking this week at the season launch of the SP Hunters, the Sports Minister said the government cannot do it alone without support from the corporate sector.

Tkatchenko thanked SP for their sponsorship to the Hunters since 2013.

“SP has been a major contributor to the success of the Hunters from day one. With their dedication to our national sport, we have seen the sport grow,” said Tkatchenko.

He also extended his gratitude to the other major sponsors, including ExxonMobil and the National Gaming Control Board.

Tkatchenko said this commitment is evident in state-of-the-art sports infrastructure that was built for the 2015 Pacific Games and the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

He said these facilities will remain a legacy for many sportsmen and women.

“As part of the Government’s commitment to give sports in PNG an opportunity to reach greater heights, we must remain a greater stakeholder.

“This is to ensure that the interests of our sportsmen and women remain paramount,” Tkatchenko said.

The Government continues to help but does not interfere with the administration, management or the running of the game, explained Tkatchenko.

He explained that what was done to get rugby league back on track will be done for union as well.

Tkatchenko supports and will push for PNG Rugby Football Union management and administration to get the sport back on its feet for the benefit of everyone, without fear or favour.

The Games will be held from March 18-April 1 in Kimbe, West New Britain, and will bring together 23 provincial teams and 12,000 athletes and officials.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko appealed to all governors and open members to support their provincial teams with needed funding and logistics.

Tkatchenko said all MPs must assist to get their teams over to Kimbe and sponsor as many of their athletes from their districts and province.

The Games will be held from March 18-April 1 and will bring together 23 provincial teams and 12,000 athletes and officials.

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed that 90 percent of the venues are complete, with preparations progressing well.

However, the only issue that is slowing the contractor down is the wet weather, Tkatchenko said, which plays a major role in the timing of the completion of the facilities.

Tkatchenko said that he received a letter from World Rugby hand delivered last week and not directly sent to him.

The letter stated that World Rugby doesn’t appreciate political interference in decision making or in any part of rugby union in PNG.

Tkatchenko came out in the media and clarified that he has never got involved personally with rugby union.

Tkatchenko said: “I want to clarify that I have never interfered with rugby union at all in the administration, management or the running of the game.

Tkatchenko made this call after the successful completion of the world football event on Saturday night.

“It is time to stop doubting and start believing,” he said.

“In the space of 17 months, Papua New Guinea has been able to successfully deliver the Pacific’s sporting ultimatum, the Pacific Games 2015, and this world sports event, the FIFA Under-20 WWC.

“That is an achievement we can all be very proud of.”

Speaking this morning at Bava Park, Port Moresby, Tkatchenko denied any claims of him interfering in the affairs of the PNGRFU.

“There have been some comments made against me by the general manager of the PNGRFU, Frank Genia, stating that I’ve been politically interfering in the process of putting up a new president, that plus we’ve never assisted rugby union at all as a government.

"National Government committed to this world sporting event and there is no way we will not be Games ready,” says Tkatchenko.

“There are dedicated Papua New Guineans out at the venues doing their bit every day and night to ensure that the world does come to our shores in November for Women’s World Cup.

The historical event was officiated by Sports Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, Toursim Minister, Tobias Kulang, President of the Oceania Football Confederation, David Chung and FIFA Head of Women’s Competitions, Tatjana Haenni.

Members of the 15 teams that are coming to PNG were present to witness the unveiling.

As well as the prestigious Trophy that goes with the title, this trophy is special for Papua New Guinea because it has “FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016” engraved on the small metal plate.