Team PNG

They will be up against two Australian national teams, two teams from Victoria and a junior team also from Victoria. 

The athletes are Benjamin Aliel, Edna Boafob, William Peka and Harihi Naime and they will be accompanied by Head Coach Brett Green.

They are going at the invite of Athletics Australia to boost its team’s chances of improving their world ranking and thereby gain qualification for the World Relays in the Bahamas in May. This is an important stepping stone to  Olympic qualification.

In a message addressed to sponsors, partners and friends at the Brian Bell Group, CPL Group - PNG, and PNG Nambawan Trophy Limited, the PNGOC emphasises the sponsors' role not only as financial backers but as an integral part of the extended Olympic family.

Facing shared challenges, they stand united, fortified by a bond that goes beyond mere sponsorship.

Encouraging their followers and the broader community to join in, the Committee pledges solidarity as their sponsors embark on the journey of recovery.

The program aims to incentivize athletes, officials, and National Federations based on their contributions to the medal tally.

The PNG Sports Foundation has supported the team by covering the cost of seven Air Niugini Charter flights for Team PNG, which amounted to K1,965,846. In addition, they deposited K3 million into the PNGOC account. The government contributed K4,965,846 to help offset the team's total expenses, which amounted to K5.2 million.

Among the shining stars of this remarkable achievement is Landa Thunder, also known as Liranda Kidu, whose roots trace back to PNG's boxing legend, the late Martin Beni. Emerging from humble beginnings, Landa Thunder's journey to success is underscored by an unwavering support system, with her father and coach Mortel Kidu playing a pivotal role.

As Team PNG bid farewell to week one athletes, PNG is hopeful for better performances with a fresh contingent set for an action-packed week.

As of Saturday 25^th November, PNG has bagged 26 medals (4 Gold, 10 Silver and 12 Bronze) – 13 medals where from weightlifting alone.  PNG currently sits in 10^th place on the Medal Tally.

Competitions in Boxing, Netball, Va'a, Touch Football, Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Athletics, Hockey, Basketball 3x3, Beach Volleyball, Taekwondo, and Triathlon. Tennis and Football teams continue their journey.

In the first match up, Tahiti beat Samoa 2019 Pacific Games silver medallists American Samoa 3-1.

In the afternoon’s next clash, PNG and Solomon Islands played out a thrilling five-set encounter with PNG edging the home side 3 sets to 2. PNG won the first two sets 25-18, 25-12 before Solomon Islands came back strongly to avoid a white wash to win the next two 25-18, 25-19. PNG held on to win 15-12 in the fifth set.

They now join the advance team that arrived last Friday, November 10th.

Team PNG consists of 483 athletes and 22 team officials who will compete in 21 different sports during the games.

Chef De Mission (CDM) Faye Zina Lalo, who led Team PNG's first contingent yesterday expressed her excitement.

“Today marks my third visit to the Solomon Islands, and I’m thrilled to be here with my team for this year’s games in Honiara.

PNG will be looking for another impressive showing at this year’s Pacific Games after their second-place finish on the medal tally of the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.

The team of seven consisted of Team General Manager Anzilla Miro and leads of respective functional areas; Christabella Amona (administration), Adam Parka (Operations), Dr. Kapua Kapua (Chief Medical Officer), Matthew Natusch (Physio), Desmond Kaviagu (Performance) and Andrew Molen (Media).

Miro said PNG will be sending a large number of athletes for the games.

The duo will lead the team into the National Stadium on 19th November at the opening ceremony of the Games.

The PNG Olympic Committee made the announcement on Friday, 10th November in Port Moresby during the Team PNG farewell ceremony.

“We are blessed to have such a wide and diverse set of athletes, ranging in experience from those seasoned Games veterans to our new and next generation’s Team PNG athletes,” said Sir John Dawanincura, President of the PNG Olympic Committee.

Prime Minister James Marape announced that the government will be supporting the team with K8.5 million to send the team to the Solomon Islands this month. Marape made the announcement during Team PNG’s farewell event at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex on Friday 10^th November.

When this support comes through, it will see a full team of 514 athletes and officials line up against the rest of the Pacific in 20 of the 24 sports that are on offer.