PAPUA New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKF) has been invited for the bid to host the World Kickboxing Championships in 2026.
The bid will be voted and the official decision would be made during the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) Congress, alongside with the World Championships in Alicante, Spain, from November 18 to 23, 2024.
The PNG Kickboxing Federation has been nominated by the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) to host the 61st World Kickboxing Championships in 2026.
This prestigious event could see more than 70 countries converging in PNG, while the member countries will look forward to its WKF’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Chief Stanley Nandex, the founding President of the PNG Kickboxing Federation, expressed his excitement and optimism about this monumental opportunity.
“Since the sport’s introduction to PNG in 1997, kickboxing has gained international recognition,” Nadex said.
“We have produced four world champions, including myself, and several of our fighters who are rated in the Intercontinental, International, and South Pacific ranking system in their own divisions,” the President said.
He highlighted the federation’s track record of successfully hosting major international events, which has even attracted Hollywood directors and martial arts stars to PNG during the past events.
Nandex believes these achievements underscore PNG’s capability to host world-class events, citing the country’s world-class sporting facilities and exceptional hospitality.
“This nomination is a testament to our commitment and organizational excellence,” he said.
“It presents a golden opportunity for PNG and the PNGKF to show the world what we are capable of,” Nadex added.
While China and Colombia are also vying to host the 2026 World Championships, Nandex is optimistic about PNG’s chances.
“The news of our nomination came as a surprise, but we are thrilled,” he said.
“We hope to gain support from other member countries during the voting process at the World Congress,” Nadex said.
He said hosting the World Championships would not only spotlight PNG on the global stage but also bring significant economic and tourism benefits to the country.
“Each World Championship attracts between 4,000 and 5,000 competitors, similar to an Olympic event.
“Athletes of all ages compete in various disciplines, including Kickboxing, MMA, Boxing, Sanda Wushu, Muay Thai, and more, over 5 to 7 days of competitions.”
Nadex emphasized the potential for such an event to promote peace, unity, and positive engagement, shifting the national focus away from internal politics and negativity.
He said the PNGKF is already preparing for this bid by assembling a team of 31 elite athletes — 25 men and 6 women — who are currently undergoing an intensive training program.
“We’ve spent more than two and a half years narrowing down from 300 fighters to select the best of the best.
“Preparing for such high-profile championships requires years of dedication, and I’m proud of what our team has achieved,” Nandex expressed.
Meanwhile, Nadex on behalf of PNGKF appealed for support from the corporate sector and government agencies, especially through the Sports Ministry, to back this event and the bid process.
The estimated cost for the team’s participation in the upcoming World Championships in Spain is around K700, 000, but Nandex sees it as a worthwhile investment for the country.
As a precursor to the 2026 World Championships, the WKF has also granted PNG the right to host the 2025 Oceania Championships in Port Moresby, which will welcome participants from Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island countries.
“This is a positive development, and if my prediction is correct, the voting at the World Congress could be a mere formality,” Nandex said.
