PNG kickboxers miss World Championships

Papua New Guinea kickboxers have missed out on the World Kickboxing Championship due to internal matters and sponsorship.

The team of 10 fighters mainly from Wabag, Enga Province was unable to travel due to the delay of issuing Visa and other additional cost needed.

The championship is scheduled to take place at Andria, Italy from November 7-13 attracting more than 50 countries which include PNG as a member country.

PNG Kickboxing Boxing Federation president Stanley Nandex said the lack of coordination of the code has affected major development and activities over the past four years.

He said the limited time given to send the fighters for the event was not enough to prepare a good team.

This includes securing sponsorships despite Enga Provincial Government assisting with K35, 000.

Nandex said since the long standing issues with PNGKBF over the past four years is over, he is now determined to bring back the confidence into the organization and build back the program and activities for 2017 and beyond.

He confirmed that he will be meeting with the Oceania chief executive officer Oman Ulcer early next year to discuss how best to work together in promoting the code in the Oceania region.

Nandex said kickboxing sport has so much potential to gain international recognition and PNG should be proud and support the sport. 

Author: 
Quintina Naime