by The Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Association has deferred its election of executives for later this month.
The election was initially scheduled to take place in the first week of April but patron Robert Kopaol said the association was disorganised due to a lack of coordination and hijacking of protocol by different associations and individuals.
Speaking at a brief executive meeting held ain Port Moresby on April 1, Kopaol said because the sport had a significant impact in the country, especially among rural youth, it had to be protected and developed.
He said the national body was the only legal body in the country to sanction associations, competitions and fighters.
He urged organisations and individuals to respect the PNGKBA’s right as the sport’s sole legitimate sanctioning, governing and arbitrating body.
President Stanley Nandex said the credibility and the reputation of the association was at stake.
Nandex said the PNGKBA affiliated to World Kickboxing Federation in 2011 but had been under financial strain with demands from the WKF for sanctioning fees and annual affiliation payments.
He said this had caused the association to become disillusioned and inactive.
The former professional kickboxer said the WKF’s Oceania office had asked the PNGKBA to pay it US$75,000 (K200, 000) in licensing fees.
