Tyron hopes to make Team PNG

Tyron Tarapia 19, who hails from Buang in Morobe Province and Pak Island in Manus Province, hopes to make the 32-men squad for Team PNG Karate so he can fulfill his dream by representing Papua New Guinea in the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.

The 19-year-old was inspired by his father to take up Karate lessons at the age of 13 and that was when his passion grew for the sport.

My dad encouraged me and my younger brother to take up Karate so we both started taking up karate lessons with our dad. Along the way my brother gave up so now it’s just me.

Tyron Tarapia

Tarapia said he usually participates in local tournaments here and there in Lae, however, did not have a chance to participate in other events outside of Lae.

This was his first time to attend the National Karate Championships in Port Moresby this year.

The two-day championships was great. I had to challenge many other athletes from different provinces around the country.

Tarapia

He said it was quite challenging for him as this was his first big event, however, it was also a good experience for him as a young athlete who is passionate about karate.

My main aim for this championship is to make the team for the Pacific Games, as it has always been my dream to represent my country, my province and my family at an international stage.

I want to be the first in my family to travel and represent the country in karate.

Tyrone Tarapia

He said he always watches TV and sees many athletes represent the country, even in rugby league and that was when he made up his mind that some day he will also represent the country in karate.

Tarapia thanked his mother and his friends for their support in making it possible for him to attend the National Karate Championships in Port Moresby.