Team PNG

Wisil Makes Semi-Finals

This came after the Pacific Sprint Queen finished third in her heat clocking a time of 24.42 seconds.

Wisil’s semi-final is set for 8:32 pm UK time (5:32 am PNG time, Saturday, August 6)

Fellow 200m sprinters; Isila Apkup finished seventh in her heat with a time of 24.97 seconds; Leonie Beu came fourth with 25.29.
In the Men’s, Leroy Kamau placed third in his heat with a time of 21.67. It wasn’t enough for all three to advance to the semi-finals.

Jacks of PNG Partners with Team PNG

Jacks of PNG has sealed a two-year merchandise partnership which saw the PNGOC award the supplier the licensing rights to its Team PNG brand to manufacture, advertise and distribute Team PNG merchandise apparel for the two-year period.

The merchandising agreement allows the PNGOC to provide its Team PNG trademark to Jacks of PNG to create an agreed range of Team PNG supporter apparel for the public to purchase from all Jacks of PNG retail outlets.

Gabong: We Can Go A Step Higher

In a welcome dinner hosted yesterday evening, the women’s team co-captain Yvonne Gabong, in a short but sharp speech, told sponsors, supporters and government representatives that better facilities, football development and more resources is needed to better women’s football in the country.

She said despite the achievements and success of the women’s football team, more support is needed to take them to the next stage in competitive football.

Agari Misses Out On First Win

The 16-year-old from Tubusereia in the Central Province, managed to shake off the nerves after the loss of her first match to push her Fijian opponent all the way into the seventh game only to be edged out 4-3 (18 – 16, 10 – 12, 9 – 11, 12 –10, 11 – 4, 6 – 11, 11 – 9).

In the Men’s Singles, Geoffrey Loi put up spirited performances in his 4-0 losses to Barbados’ Tyrese Knight and to Malaysia’s Qi Shen Wong.

Among the Team PNG supporters in the crowd was Chef de Mission, Michael Henao who commended the two youngsters on their improved performances.

Medals Within Reach For Boxers

Team PNG’s, Neville Warupi, Arthur Lavalou and Jamie Chang have reached the boxing quarter finals set for this Thursday, 4th August.
 
Heavyweight (Over 86kg-92kg) boxer, Lavalou and Chang in the Bantamweight (Over 51kg-54kg) division had byes, which pushed them straight into the quarter finals.
 
In the Welterweight (Over 63.5kg-67kg) division, Warupi booked his spot after beating Solomon Islands' Pemberton Lele on points (4-1) on Tuesday at the NEC.
 

Maskelyne sets New National Records

Maskelyne was exceptional in his respective events since starting last Saturday where he swam the Men’s 200m Breaststroke finishing eighth in a pool consisting of World Record and Commonwealth Games Record holders.

He also broke the Men’s 100m Breaststroke national record of 1:03:89 (set by himself) clocking a new time of 1:03:31.

Swim Team Manager Sarenah Pini said she was happy with the performance of Team PNG swimmers at the Commonwealth Games.

Squash to shift focus to Doubles

Despite results not going their way over the weekend in the Men’s and Women’s Singles, head coach Marc Forster said there were still positives to take away from the performances of the three.

“Junior (Madako) needs to keep up the standard and keep solid. Youngsters Feanor and Amity will come away with an understanding now of what it takes to be a professional like the players they’re seeing here,” said Forster.

“But all is going well, they’re still in the game.”

The Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles will start on Wednesday, August 3. 

Loi, Agari To Step Up At Games

For 22-year-old Loi, this is his third appearance at a Commonwealth Games while at 16-years of age, Tammi will step on to the world stage for the first time.

Loi will be competing in the Men’s Singles and Agari in the Women’s Singles. They both will then come together for the Mixed Doubles.

“We didn’t want to waste time as soon as we got here and have been making the most of every opportunity to train,” said head coach Rea Loi.

“We’ve had training sessions playing against countries like Fiji and Nigeria which is helping us get fully prepared.”

Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

At the helm were the flag bearers, John Ume and Rellie Kaputin who led the contingent out proudly in what was a historic night for different reasons.

The opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games welcomed 72 nations and territories in spectacular fashion with cultural performances and fireworks accompanying the traditional speeches. 

PNG-Fiji Battle For Oceania Title

The team is:
Goalkeeper: Faith Kasiray  
Defenders: Margaret Joseph   Lucy Maino, Olivia Upaupa, Lavina Hola 
Midfield: Rayleen Bauelua, Rumona Morris, Ramona Padio  
Forwards: Marie Kaipu, Meagan Gunemba, Charlie Yanding 

Assistant coach Percy Mataio said the coaching has confidence in the team that should give us something to proud of.