By GABRIEL KATUHO
David Ome’s dream of representing Papua New Guinea has unfolded with succession as he claimed bronze in the 2025 Oceania Championships in Tahiti.
Ome went up against Kobe Hunt for the second time under 51kg division on Thursday, however after three rounds of exchanging punches, Ome claimed Bronze after failing short of few points under Hunt. Hunt then advanced to the final where he claimed silver.
Ome defeated Kobe Hunt under 51kg division in the Kokoda challenge international bout and met him again on Thursday 17th September 2025 in Tahiti for Oceania Championship.
Ome so far has won five medals form his fights. Two medals from Kokoda challenge where he defeated Beau Piggot and Kobe Hunt form Australia in Port Moresby in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
He also has the national championship under 48kg in the National Championships held in Port Moresby in 2024 and 2025 and claimed Bronze in the Oceania Championship.
Ome during a phone interview with this paper today expressed his gratitude for making the national team to the 2025 Oceania Championships and acknowledged National Coach Mark Keto for instilling the fighting confidence in him to participate in the bigger ring.
“It was a good fight going up against Cobe Hunt for the second time, but I fell short of few points as per the Judges,” Ome stated.
Ome’s dream has come true as he represents his country with pride while Joining his influential figure, John Ume who with other three boxers claimed gold for the country.
Meanwhile, Team PNG have won a total of nine (9) medals from nine boxers in the Oceania championship. Following is the medal winners at the elite men’s and women’s boxing championships in Tahiti.
Gold Medal – John Ume, Allan Oaike, Leontine Kevin, Steven Kendu.
Silver Medal – Petronella Nokenoke, Goli Bali, James Paul.
Bronze Medal – David Ome, Quincy Kavakore.