Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre

President Kinivanagi Karo was in a jovial mood all day as the numbers kept pouring in.  

“I am really, really excited. We had a lot of people turn out almost a hundred participants.

“They went through all the tests and skills testing as well.

“We realised that there is a lot of potential out there and I’m really excited that we actually uncovered so much badminton potential.

“We are looking forward to those who are going to be inducted into the scholarship and those who will join us.

The two sides will face-off at 6:30pm on Sunday at the Taurama Aquatic & Indoor Centre.

Head coach of the women’s national team, Moi Muri, said it was a good chance for his team to fine-tune leading into next week’s international tournament.

“Our girls have been working very hard in training but need some extra match fitness to make sure we are ready,” Muri said.

“This game will be six versus six, so it will really test the players’ fitness levels.

12 men’s and eight women’s teams are taking part in the Championships that will end with the grand final this Saturday.

On the men’s side, Pool ‘A’ will feature Alotau, Kerema, PMBL #1, PMBL #3, NCDBA and Tubusereia #2, while Pool ‘B’ has Central 3X3, Daru, Kavieng, Lae, PMBL #2 and Tubusereia #1.

In the women’s competition, Pool ‘A’ will stage Daru, Kerema, POMWBL #1 and NCDBA, while Pool ‘B’ lists Kavieng, Lae, POMWBL #2 and Tubusereia.

Representatives from BFPNG and PNG Sports Foundation-Venue Management (PNGSFVM) signed the paperwork on Tuesday this week.

Through the arrangement, BFPNG will continue to utilise the courts and function rooms at the complex, while TAIC will be the official venue for the Federation’s senior national championships set for July and the FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup later in September of this year.

BFPNG Chief Executive Officer Joel Khalu said the Federation was thankful to PNGSFVM for partnering with them.