by By Keith Puaria
Taekwondo Papua New Guinea (TPNG) will hold its 2015 Pacific Games selection trials on Sunday at the Sir John Guise indoor complex.
It is also its first national championships and TPNG has set its sights on the major Port Moresby event in less than three years.
At least 50 fighters are confirmed to vie for spots in two teams that TPNG will be selecting from the trials.
More clubs are yet to confirm their participating in the one-day event.
“Morobe has confirmed 15 fighters, Alewai of Hula 17, Buin and Buka from Bougainville and the National Capital District will be here for the event this weekend.
“Bereina, and Stone’s Taekwondo headed by Jamuga Stone are yet to confirm their participation. But may raise the fight numbers to close to 70,” tournament director Edward Kassman said.
New Caledonia and Tahiti dominated the sport in the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea and has given president Ower Ila the determination to return serve as hosts in 2015.
“We want to get as many fighters into as many categories as possible in 2015.
“It will give us every opportunity to win those medals,” Ila said.
“But they will be quality fighters who will go through the process preparation and build-up that starts this Sunday at these selection trials.”
TPNG has been driven by the qualification of lone London Olympic bound athlete Theresa Tona, and will leave nothing to the imagination, prior to 2015.
Tona, who arrived last month with coach Andy Rutten prior to the trials original dates, left early this month again for Europe in her final build up for London.
Two elite teams will be selected from the trials. They will prepare for the Australian Open in September with an eye for possible relocation of both teams to Australia and specialist training before the Mini Pacific Games in Wallis and Futuna next year.
Ila also said that Australian Taekwondo referees director Denzel Ray should arrive tomorrow. He will set up a new electronic scoring system and properly accredit tournament officials.
“Besides the fights that will be on show we will also use the event to promote women in sports,” Kassman said.
Gates open at 10am with entry fees for adults (K10) and students/children (K5).
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