Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Olympian Anna Liza Mopio-Jane was celebrated and honoured, inducted into 9th PNG Sports Hall of Fame at the Apec Haus, Port Moresby.In a heartfelt speech at her induction, Anna Liza painted a vivid picture of a lifetime in sport, acknowledging the village that propelled her to greatness. Despite Anna-Liza's slow imagination from a younger age, she expressed "awe" at her own stellar career. “It feels like a lifetime ago,” she said. "There's no way I thought that I could go to the Olympics, three Commonwealth Games, five world championships, four Pacific Games and win medals and travel the world.” Her gratitude extended to the dedicated team behind her success, particularly coaches and managers from PNG Swimming. “To feel so supported by a coach and a manager like that really allows an athlete to succeed,” she noted, thanking those who pushed her to her limits. She paid a moving tribute to her family, the unsung heroes of her story. She recalled her mother’s unwavering commitment: “My mom constantly drove me to all of my training sessions early 5am and in the afternoons before I got my license. I was really sad when I actually had to drive myself to training.” She hailed her sister as her biggest cheerleader, while credited her father for merging a sport and academic career path. “He was the one that encouraged me to study at university full-time to just think of other options because you can't always be an athlete at this level.” Despite her partner and two young sons never seeing the peak of her international swimming career, she cherished their support. “I love that they're able to share this moment now with me,” she said, musing, “who knows, they might swim as well for PNG.” Despite the lonely hours of training, she expressed deep gratitude for the honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, making the recognition all the more meaningful. “It can be lonely swimming up and down the pool... to be actually recognized for all those years in the water, I'm truly grateful.” Now a mentor and coach, Anna Liza Mopio-Jane’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation far beyond the pool.

NCD/Central Commander Benjamin Turi has taken time to embrace the efforts of the City-Warden officers in enforcing public safety and security in the central hubs of Port Moresby despite limited training. Following an arrival from Bereina, Commander Turi acknowledged the City warden efforts while addressing public complaints about certain inappropriate action they have taken or allowed. Moving forward, the warden management and the police will address these issues, they must not repeat the same mistakes. Commander Turi praised the wardens for their hard work since deployment, noting improvements in public safety across Boroko, Gordons, and other areas, and emphasized that his visit was meant to motivate them. He also acknowledged existing weaknesses highlighted by the public on social media and expressed confidence that the wardens’ week-long training would help them become better officers in their assigned areas. He further challenged them to invest their attention and consume as much possible from their trainers during their training. Meanwhile, Commander Turi along with Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle, and Reservist Coordinator Chief Inspector Ruben Guisu, visited the wardens’ camp after their program at Berina, where ten police houses were commissioned by the police minister after their completion. The Port Moresby City Wardens since there deployment a year ago, continue to carry out their obligation to ensuring Public Safety and Security in their respective locations such as Boroko, Gordons and other central hubs in Port Moresby. Although the wardens possess limited training and mentoring, their security personnel have progressed to performance to the best of their ability to support public well-being.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee’s (PNGOC) Senior Vice President Tony Green, officially opened the 2025 PNG Sports Hall of Fame ceremony with a powerful tribute to the four inductees, framing the event as a celebration of the nation's core sporting values. Speaking at the Apec Haus on Friday, November 7th, Mr. Green said that the Hall of Fame is “more than just a recognition of athletic excellence,” describing it as a celebration of the enduring principles that define Papua New Guinea as a sporting nation. “It is a celebration of the values that define us as a sporting nation; perseverance, humility, teamwork and pride in representing Papua New Guinea.” “These are the qualities that our inductees have displayed throughout their careers, inspiring generations of athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.” He emphasized that the inductees' journeys reflect the true spirit of the country, achieving greatness not only on the field but also through their character. “They have not only achieved greatness on the field but have inspired future generations through their perseverance, their humility and their dedication.” “Their stories are a powerful reminder of what it means to represent our country with pride.” Moreover, Mr. Green took a moment to acknowledge the collective support behind every athlete, including families, coaches, and teammates, extending the PNGOC’s “sincere gratitude” to partners and sponsors, specifically Vodafone PNG, for their continued support ensuring the legacy of PNG’s sporting heroes continues to inspire. Furthermore, he concluded by embracing all the significant guests to the ninth induction ceremony, setting a tone of unity and celebration for the evening.

The Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) Director of Corporate Services William Yatapia, delivered a moving address relating the 2025 Hall of Fame inductions to Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, championing sport as a vital tool for national unity and development. Despite the absence of PNGSF Executive Director Micah Jones, Mr. Yatapia expressed his honor to be part of a ceremony celebrating excellence, legacy and the enduring spirit of Papua New Guinea sport at the 2025 PNG Sport Hall of Fame Celebration at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby. He highlighted the significant role sports have played over the nation's first half-century. “Across five decades sports has been one of our nation's strongest and unifying forces.” “It has brought together people from every province, language, and background; all under one flag.” He further voiced the Sports Foundation's philosophy as moving beyond mere competition to a broader developmental vision. “Sports is just not about competition; it is a powerful tool for development, education, community building.” “Through sports we teach young people teamwork, discipline and respect, values that build strong citizens and stronger communities.” Moreover, Mr. Yatapia praised the inductees, noting their achievements are part of the national story that continues to inspire hope in every athlete chasing a dream. He reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment “to nurture hope,” by improving facilities and investing in coaches and administrators. Furthermore, he concluded by thanking the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and sponsors like Vodafone, urging the nation to ensure that sports remain in the heart of Papua New Guinea story for the next fifty years.

Vodafone PNG, the major sponsor of the 2025 PNG Sports Hall of Fame, Vodafone PNG, has expressed its delight in supporting national sporting events and its athletes while executing its corporate objectives. Vodafone PNG’s Public Relations and Sponsorship Manager, Mrs. Charmaine ToRobert, expressed her firm’s pride in backing the nation’s sporting heroes, emphasizing the shared values between sports and their corporate mission. Speaking at the 2025 PNG Sports Hall of Fame at the Apec House on Friday 7th November, ToRobert articulated Vodafone’s “absolute honor” to be part of an evening celebrating “excellence, perseverance and the unbreakable spirit of sport.” She confirmed the telecommunications giant’s ongoing commitment as a key partner of the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC). “Vodafone has stood alongside the PNG Olympic Committee as the official telecommunications partner and a major sponsor of this prestigious event for two years now.” “We now look forward to next year in bringing you the 10th PNG Sports Hall of Fame event again.” In addition, she also expressed that the partnership is built on a foundation of shared ideals. “Our partnership is built on shared values including teamwork, commitment and the belief that with the right connection anything is possible.” Articulating Vodafone’s core belief in the transformative power of sport, she said that at Vodafone, they believe that sport has the power to unite communities and inspire future generations. This belief, she noted, drives their commitment to “supporting initiatives that empower athletes, promote inclusion and connect Papua New Guineans through the power of technology and sport.” ToRobert concluded by congratulating the nominees for setting a high bar and inspiring future athletes, before thanking the PNGOC for hosting the “remarkable celebration of sporting excellence.”

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) proudly honored four of the nation's most distinguished athletes at a well-attended and emotionally charged 2025 PNG Sports Hall of Fame (SHOF) induction ceremony on Friday, November 7th, at the Apec Haus in Port Moresby. The event, which is now in its ninth year, saw the attendance of PNGOC Senior Vice President Tony Green, PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu, PNG Sports Foundation Director Corporate Services William Yatapia, Sponsor Manager of Vodafone PNG and former member of PNG SHOF, Charmaine ToRobert. Officially opening the ninth induction ceremony, PNGOC Senior Vice President, Mr. Tony Green had set the tone by declaring the event a celebration of far more than just athletic prowess. He articulated that the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the core values that underpin the nation's sporting identity. “The PNG Sports Hall of Fame is more than just a recognition of athletic excellence. It is a celebration of the values that define us as a sporting nation: perseverance, humility, teamwork and pride in representing Papua New Guinea.” “These are the qualities that our inductees have displayed throughout their careers, inspiring generations of athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.” PNGOC proudly echoed the sentiment national pride for past and future generation, praising the selection of the 2025 inductees, Mowen Boino (400m Hurdles), Salome Dell (800m & 1500m), Anna-Liza Moipa Jane, Oly (Freestyle Swimmer), and Nelson Stone (200m & 400m). The event expressed the diversity of disciplines honored, from the pool to the track, from the gruelling hurdles to the pure speed of the sprints. Their relentless dedication sent a powerful message that excellence is not confined to a single sport. Each of these legends, from Boino's relentless pace to Dell's enduring strength, Anna-Liza’s trailblazing in the pool, and Stone's explosive power, perfectly embodies perseverance and dedication. These sporting role models are not just champions, but national treasures who truly deserve this permanent recognition. The evening brought tears, joy and a sense of satisfaction, as they earned their recognition in the PNG SHOF among some of the Nations Sporting heroes, representing the nation in global sporting events, including, Olympics, World Championships, Pacific Games and more, encouraging and empowering the sporting realm in PNG. Furthermore, Mr. Green had also paid tribute to the broader sporting communities, families, coaches, teammates and communities, while also acknowledging sponsors like Vodafone PNG for their crucial role. In celebrating these four extraordinary individuals, PNGOC not only cemented their place in history but also reinforced the powerful role of sport as a source of national unity and inspiration, a fact warmly affirmed by all in attendance.

An off-duty police officer was arrested at Badili Police Station in Port Moresby city by two police cadet officers for eliciting a bribe from a detainee’s family.The arrest took place on Monday 3rd November, after the two cadet officers observed the officer attempting to extort money from the family of a male-detainee who was in custody in relation to a vehicle accident. The Internal Affairs Division responded and went to the Badili police cells where they obtained evidence and eyewitness statements. The accused Member has been suspended from the RPNGC and will be charged with appropriate action taken through both disciplinary and criminal channels pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs report. Commissioner of Police David Manning praised both Cadet Officers for their courage and integrity. “These two young Police Cadet Officers are exactly the kind of police that Papua New Guineans want on the frontline as we rebuild the RPNGC to the level it was founded upon.” “Their action in standing up to corruption is a testament to their training and their character.” “The strength of character of our Police Cadets, and the professional education they receive through our training program is ensuring that these young leaders are not tempted by corruption or unprofessional behaviour. Commissioner Manning said the Police Cadets made the arrest and detained the accused at the Badili Police Cells on the 3rd of November. “The accused Member, who was off duty at the time, was observed demanding money from the family of a man who had been detained.” “When the money was handed to and accepted by the Member, two Cadet Officers acted quickly to arrest and lock the extortioner in a Police cell.” “That was a job well-done by these young Policemen, and it bodes well for a bright future in the RPNGC for them both.”TOP NEWS

The PNG Orchids captain Elsie Albert has made a heartfelt plea to fans, assuring them that the team is working tirelessly to turn performances around and earn their vocal support.When questioned in the post-match conference about the impact of back-to-back defeats on the crowd's enthusiasm, Albert acknowledged understandable disappointment but remained optimistic about the future. She admitted that sustained support is a direct consequence of winning. "I think it will change if we get some wins," said Elsie. Furthermore, she framed the path to winning back the fans as a straightforward, albeit challenging, process of improvement. The skipper connected this call for patience to the team's core development goals, reiterating that fitness is a primary obstacle for many players based in PNG. "We just need to show that we can compete, and we can get some wins," Albert stated, outlining the team's clear objective. Furthermore, she concluded on behalf of the squad, pledging to "go back and sort that out and come back stronger." The skipper’s response signaled a clear understanding to the responsibility of winning for the nation, lies equally on the team's shoulders through demonstrated effort and results.

Police in Central province have reported a peaceful Local Level Government (LLG) election so far despite some issues arising from the availability of ballot papers during polling.Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) acting Superintendent Joseph Salle said the good job his officers did in providing assistance during polling also led to the arrest of three individuals involved in the hijacking of ballot papers. He mentioned that the issue leading to the hijacking of the ballot papers was again the limited number of ballot papers compared to the eligible voters there. He said that is something the Electoral Commission needs to look into and resolve. "I am happy with how the people of Central are behaving during the election, even though eligible voters have raised issues regarding their names not being on the common roll and the shortage of ballot papers.” “However, they have come to an understanding and proceeded with the voting, which is nearing completion. Most of the ward councilors have been declared, while the other wards are still voting. After all ward councilors are declared, the election officials will continue to count the LLG President votes, " Salle Said. PPC Salle further confirmed that there were no further incidents reported, except for one ward in the Hiri Koiari LLG. He said polling will continue this week and will end when all wards have completed polling.

Fiji Bati’s Head Coach Wise Kativerata has put forward a bold proposal for a historic collaboration between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, suggesting the creation of a joint team in an New South Wales Cup to secure the future of rugby league in both nations.In the wake of the Pacific Bowl Championship test, Kativerata argued that for Rugby League to truly grow, the two pacific brothers must unite to create a professional pathway for their upcoming athletes. "To me personally, I think we should have a New South Wales Cup team with the (PNG) Hunters to feed the Papua New Guinea team," Kativerata stated. "It's important that we work together. Not only grow Papua New Guinea but grow Fiji too." Moreover, he highlighted the shared challenges and strengths of the two countries, noting their similar cultures and the power of sport to unite communities. However, he pointed out that Fiji lacks the established development system that PNG has built with its SP Hunters team. "Because no one else will do it, we might as well do it ourselves," Kativerata said, emphasizing the need for a united-driven solution. His vision extends beyond a senior team, suggesting exchanges at youth levels to strengthen the talent pool from the ground up. "Bringing the young under-17, under-19 team to come and play against your boys. we can help each other on that." This call for a unified Pacific pathway is a direct response to the competitive disadvantage faced by Fiji, where rugby union is the dominant sport. Coach Kativerata believes, by sharing resources and talent with PNG, both nations can build a stronger, more sustainable future for rugby league, ultimately leading to greater success on the world stage.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) LNG Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou remains focused to the future, emphasizing player development, squad depth, and the pride of homegrown talent as the foundation of the team's success following commanding 50 - 18 victory over Fiji Bati.The victory at a packed Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday secured the Kumuls' third consecutive Pacific Championship Bowl, a dominant performance featuring eight tries and a perfect nine goals from captain Rhyse Martin. While the score line reflected a team at its peak, Coach Demetriou revealed in his post-match press that hardship faced just days before the match. Star playmaker Lachlan Lam had been hospitalized with a severe stomach illness, only being discharged on Friday. "Yeah, well, Lachie's been in hospital. He was in hospital on Thursday and only got out on Friday, halfway through the day," Demetriou revealed." “He wasn't in a good way... I knew he wasn't going to last, so we couldn't afford to put him out there for the start." Despite this setback, came an opportunity to showcase the team's growing depth. Demetriou expressed unwavering confidence in young Finley Glare, who stepped into the crucial role. "I was confident in Finley, to be honest. I picked him for a reason," Demetriou stated. "I have a lot of belief in what he's capable of and where he can go to as a player. His ability to jump in from seven to nine and have it equally as effective is impressive for a young man." The coach's pride, however, was most palpable when he highlighted the composition of his starting spine. "I was really excited about the starting spine today. To have Edwin [Ipape], [Morea] Morea, [Cairo] Olam, and Finlay—all PNG-born and bred—out there on the national stage... I'm not sure how often that's happened." This homegrown core is filling a significant void, with Demetriou pointing to the retirement of long-time halfback Kyle Laybutt. "That's a big hole to fill, and these guys have come in and done a great job." Moreover, he reserved special praise for hooker Edwin Ipape, whose stellar form has sparked talk of a move to the NRL. "If you're asking me, can he handle NRL, then he can more than handle NRL. He'll be a standout," Demetriou asserted. "He's a standout out there playing against a lot of NRL players... What's impressed me about Edwin is his character. He was the leader amongst the born-and-bred PNG players." Demetriou revealed that the squad's inspiration was drawn from the past, with members of the iconic 2000 Kumuls team visiting the camp. "Listening to those guys and how they represented, and what they went through to put this team on the map 25 years ago, was pretty special. I know how much it meant for the players, and it was good to see that come out in our form today." Looking ahead, the coach issued a clear message to his squad and aspiring Kumuls stating, “performance at the club level is paramount. With fierce competition for places expected next year, form will be the ultimate selector.” "My message to all the boys will be, go back and play good footy," Demetriou said. "The competition for places next year is going to be high. There were four or five players we could have picked in this squad, and the squad still would have been as strong, which is a great reflection of the depth that's around." He concluded with a promising vision for the national team's future current and upcoming players, echoing Ipape's own sentiments, "We can keep them together for four or five years. We're going to only keep getting better." The future looks exceptionally bright for the PNG Kumuls, with a perfect blend of emerging local talent and a coach instilling a culture of high performance and accountability.

The Fiji Bati Head Coach Wise Kativerata pointed to a disrupted preparation and a cascade of on-field errors as the significant reasons for his team's 50-18 defeat at the hands of the PNG LNG Kumuls in the Pacific Bowl Championship.Coach Kativerata stated this in a frank post-match assessment revealing the team's challenges began long before kickoff. "We didn't start well from the hotel coming in here. We lost one of our players who's been sick," the coach stated, forcing a last-minute reshuffle of his squad. This adversity was compounded early in the contest with an injury to a key player, further destabilizing the young Fijian side. "We tried to regroup, but I think our errors capitalized," Kativerata explained. "We came back with another penalty, then we gave a six-again and a penalty. So that's what brings us down." The coach highlighted the particular difficulty of conceding repetitive penalties against a powerful team like PNG, especially with a depleted forward pack. "When you give away a penalty and when you're so thin up front, you pay the price," he said. While acknowledging the scoreline, Kativerata refused to pin the loss solely on his players' effort, instead framing it as a painful but necessary lesson for a squad in its development phase. He emphasized that the path forward is simple in theory but requires greater discipline: "We just need to learn to keep the football and cut the errors. Rugby league is a very simple sport."