SIMBU Governor, Hon. Noah Kool and Member for Ungai Bena, Hon. Kinoka Feo, were the first MPs to sponsor their fighters for the upcoming World Kickboxing Championships in Spain next month (November).
President and Team Manager for Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNG KBF), Mr Stanley Nandex, announced their sponsorships in a statement yesterday.
Governor Kool has come on board to assist five fighters and two officials from Simbu province by paying up their levy fees.
A team of five fighters including one female from Eastern Highlands Province were also given a positive response from the office of Ungai Bena MP, Hon. Kinoka Feo, to receive support.
The Eastern Highlands team will be flying into Port Moresby next week to join the national team before departing Port Moresby for Spain.
Ungai Bena District Administrator, Mr Jonathan Resis, who announced the sponsorship said, the district is happy to support the youths led by the current PNG and South Pacific Champion Mr. Kaupa Omena, Joseph Amana, a 16-year-old female fighter Branden Simbani, Authur James and Afe Eyu as they will represent the district, province and the country with pride.
He said the support is given after the district sponsored them down to Port Moresby and were qualified during the selection on July 7 this year.
“We as the district, we are happy to support them again, this time is for the world championships,” Jonathan said.
Nandex thanked Governor Kool and Feo to support their athletes under their Provincial Service Improvement Programme (PSIP) and District Service Improvement Programme (DSIP) funds towards the world championships.
He said these supports are not just about supporting them to excel in the sport they love, but it’s an investment put in to them so they can bring experience, skills and knowledge that can be imparted into the next generation.
Nandex said kickboxing sport is about discipline, good morals, ethics and a way of life and teaches self-respect themselves and others.
“This is what we should be teaching about changing behaviours and mindsets of our youths,” he said.
“Am thankful to these great leaders and I also call on other MPs and Governors from other provinces to support their athletes in this prestige event,” Nandex called.
Mr Nandex also highlighted the team’s preparedness ahead of the world championships, which is scheduled from 18th-22nd November, 2024.
He said PNGKBF has already started its 30-member squad training program a month ago in preparations for the world championships.
Nandex said other participating centers in PNG arrived this week while the rest expected to join in next week.
The President and Team Manager was impressed with the fighters who have been hard in the training.
Team captain for 2024 world championships and competitor, Mr Thomas Kagili, also expressed his confidence in the team.
Kagili, who is a gold medallist for 2023 US open and international champion expressed that: “Our training is focused on speed, techniques and stamina. Am happy with what is offered at the moment particularly with High performance program. We are not to waste our time and tax payers’ money to go there to enjoy the luxury, we are going there to win”.
Meanwhile, Nandex said the NCDC and Central based fighters have been very dedicated to their training while waiting for their team mates to arrive.
“Some of the selected fighters are school students so we have allowed them to finish their exams and continue with their training wherever they are,” Nandex said.
He said the fighters from Hela, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Chimbu, and Morobe provinces are already in Port Moresby while Goroka will travel down next week.
“Today we are privileged to have the president of the Simbu Kickboxing Association, Mr Otto Yuak and head coach Mr John Kwiwa who are with two of their fighters, Norman Kawage and Daniel Bruno to join the camp.
“Three of their fighters, Jeffery Daka, Nathan Joe and Charlie Kwiwa will travel next weekend.”
Nandex said the entire team is expected to depart on the 15th of November, however, they are still waiting for other sponsors to respond to them.
“For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 74555662/72946725 or email, pngkickboxingfederation@gmail.com.”
