YOUNG athletes were encouraged to embrace discipline, respect and personal growth as part of their sporting journey, as the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) lent its voice to the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB)–Kickboxing Last Man Standing tournament, held at the Taurama Aquatic Centre on Sunday(30/08/26).
NYDA says platforms like this are central to its efforts to reach and engage disengaged youths nationwide.
The event, contested as Semi-Final Heat number four (4) of the tournament and run from 9:00am to 5:00pm, was presented by the PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF), a partner of NYDA, and brought together athletes, coaches and supporters in a competitive environment that organisers say is as much about character as it is about competition.
In the absence of NYDA Director General Mr Joe Itaki, Principal Legal Officer Ms Joyce Mai addressed athletes and officials at the venue, underscoring the role sport can play in engaging and developing Papua New Guinean youths.
Drawing on the teaching of self-control and discipline found in 1 Corinthians 9, Ms Mai’s opening remarks reminded competitors that the same restraint and focus required in the ring carry over into everyday life. Athletes were encouraged to compete with heart, give their best, and show respect for their opponents.
The message reinforced that sporting achievement is measured by more than winning — it is also about building character, discipline, resilience, confidence and respect, qualities NYDA says help young people become positive contributors to their families, communities and the nation.
NYDA’s presence at the tournament reflects the Authority’s implementation of the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025–2029, which provides a national framework for engaging disengaged youths and connecting them with opportunities that support their personal, social and economic development.
Sport also sits squarely within the National Youth Policy 2020–2030, which identifies Health, Sports and Culture as one of its four key result areas, alongside Education and Employment, Community and Environment, and Governance and Institutional Development.
For NYDA, platforms such as the NGCB–Kickboxing Last Man Standing tournament offer a practical, ground-level way to engage disengaged youths, encourage positive participation and strengthen the wider youth development agenda across Papua New Guinea.