PNG Sports Hall of Fame

This year’s inductees were Takale Tuna from the sport of Athletics who becomes Inductee #18, Wavala Kali from the sport of Athletics who becomes Inductee #19 and Late Robert Stewart from the sport of Shooting who becomes Inductee #20. 

Takale Tuna was one of PNG’s fastest men in the sprint events of 100m, 200m and 400m and represented PNG outstandingly in his career which spanned over 7 years at the top level, winning 13 national titles, 6 gold medals and 3 silver medals (South Pacific Games) in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and was witnessed by representatives from different sporting codes and other dignitaries including NCD Governor, Powes Parkop.

Guest speaker on the night, Sir John Kaputin expressed his gratitude on being given the honour to speak on the night.

While the names remain a secret, Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, Auvita Rapilla said they come from the sport of swimming, athletics, boxing and weightlifting.

This is the second hall of fame induction; the first was held in 2011. The first two athletes inducted were Sir John Kaputin and Edward Laboran.

Sir John Kaputin will be the guest speaker at the induction of the five athletes into the PNG Sports Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby and will be televised live on NBC TV.

Kaputin, from Matupit Island in the East New Britain Province was a member of the first team from the Territory of Papua and New Guinea to take part in the British Empire Games (now Commonwealth Games) in Perth in 1962.

Kaputin and Edward Laboran were the first two athletes to be inducted into the PNG Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Laboran was PNG’s first gold medallist at the South Pacific Games in Suva, Fiji in 1963.

This was announced today by Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, Auvita Rapilla.

The names of the five athletes were not revealed, but Rapilla said they come from the sport of swimming, athletics, boxing and weightlifting.

“The PNGOC holds the achievements of our athletes in high regard because we understand the struggles, commitment and sacrifices they faced to get to where they are.

“These achievements have shaped the sporting history of our country and we recognise this by honouring the individuals who have done it over a period,” said Rapilla.