by Skola Sengi – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) is gearing up for four major events on the kickboxing calendar set for the end of the year.
The code is embarking on strengthening its reputation through both local and international tournaments.
Kundiawa will host the Open Martial Arts and Kickboxing Championships from 27-29 September, with the tournament to be used as a platform to select kickboxers for the Unified World Kickboxing championship to be held in Spain from November 3-8.
PNG will go up against Australia’s best in the “Punch of the Century” in early November. A venue is yet to be confirmed for the staging of the tournament.
And finally, Pangia District will host the Peter O’Neill Cup from December 17-19.
Due to numerous parties claiming legitimacy in running an appropriate body to govern the code, the code has struggled to maintain its profile in the country in the past.
Re-elected President of the PNG Kickboxing Federation, Stanley Nandex, is adamant that all parties should put aside their differences and realign their focus with the PNG KBF in further developing the combat code.
The 2014 PNG Games saw an influx of amateur kickboxers, an indication of the popularity and growth of the sport as an alternative to football codes like soccer and rugby league.
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