Team PNG screening for Mini Pacific Games underway

The Justification Committee [JC] has officially begun evaluating sports and athlete participation for Team Papua New Guinea [PNG] in preparation for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, scheduled to take place in Palau from 30th June to 9th July 2025.

The committee’s review aims to ensure that all eligibility and performance requirements are met, setting the foundation for PNG's successful participation in the Pacific Mini Games.

Initially, Team PNG planned to compete in 12 of the 14 sports featured at the Pacific Mini Games, which include Archery, Athletics [including Para], Swimming, Basketball 3x3, Beach and Indoor Volleyball, Va'a, Table Tennis [including Para], Softball, Judo, Triathlon, and Weightlifting.

However, following the JC's rigorous review, 3 sports were not endorsed due to non-compliance with the committee’s requirements.

Full endorsement was granted to Basketball 3x3, Swimming, Table Tennis [including Para], Va’a, Beach and Indoor Volleyball, and Weightlifting.

Athletics and Softball received provisional endorsement, subject to the submission of executive meeting minutes and approval of their Selection Policy.

Final decisions will depend on meeting these outstanding compliance criteria.

A core component of the JC’s endorsement process is the Selection Policy, which must clearly define transparent criteria for athlete selection.

Sports bodies are also required to submit high-performance plans outlining strategies to prepare athletes for competitive success.

In addition, National Federations must provide comprehensive lists of athletes and officials, along with evidence of governance and compliance with the standards and regulations of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee [PNGOC].

Sports that were not endorsed by the JC had until Friday, 25th October 2024, to appeal the decision through the Sports Disputes Tribunal.

Following the justification of sports, the committee will proceed to endorse team officials.

Officials must meet stringent criteria, including holding current certifications from either the International Federation or the Oceania Sports Education Program [OSEP].

Certifications must cover areas such as Development Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, or Team Management.

Officials are also required to have relevant experience at both club and national levels.

Additionally, background checks will ensure officials have no criminal record, and they must complete mandatory courses on Safeguarding, Anti-Doping, and the Prevention of Competition Manipulation.

Endorsable roles include Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, Assistant Team Managers, and Trainers.

For athletes, National Federations must submit their details for preliminary endorsement by 31st October 2024.

The JC will conduct a series of review meetings from 24th to 28th February 2025, although these meetings will not determine the final team composition.

The first round of athlete selections will be completed by March 2025, with the final entry list confirmed by 16th May 2025.

Chef de Mission Kinivanagi Karo will lead Team PNG at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.

Participation is contingent upon meeting all outlined requirements within the designated timelines, ensuring that both athletes and officials are fully prepared to represent the nation.