K92 Mining commits two-year sponsorship to Lahanis

Kainantu Mining general manager community affairs and external relations Stanley Komunt and superintendent of external affairsvand sustainable development Marcus Bai presenting the cheque to EHP governor Simon Sia and in the presence of Lahanis board of management. *(Image: Supplied)*

Kainantu Mining has confirmed two years sponsorship commitment to Bintagaor Goroka Lahanis Rugby League Team for the 2025 and 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season, reaffirming its commitment to grassroors rugby league and community development in the Eastern Highlands.

K92 mining general manager community affairs and external relations, Stanley Komunt and superintendent of external affairs and sustainable development Marcus Bai were at hand to present the K150,000 cheque to franchise owner Simon Sia and the Lahanis board of management during the match between Lahanis and Mendi Muruks on Sunday at National Sports Institute in Goroka.

Under the sponsorship agreement, the mining company will contribute K150,000 for the 2025 DEM cup and another K200,000 in 2026, with all funds directed to supporting the club's Men's, women's and under 19s team.

This financial backing will assist in meeting essential operational needs including logistics, equipment, training and welfare support for players across the three levels of Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition.

Further enhancing this partnership, Kainantu Mining has engaged former PNG Kumul and NRL Star Marcus Bai to work with the Lahanis club.

Bai will dedicate up to 10 days per roster cycle from his work at Kainantu Office to engage directly with the Goroka-based side

His role will involve technical support, mentoring, and on-field support to the coaching team, particularly aimed at young talent transitioning from local leagues.

Marcus Bai currently oversees over K200,000 in community sport sponsorship on behalf of Kainantu Mining, supporting a range of sporting codes in Kainantu, with rugby league playing a central role in youth development and community cohesion.

The Lahanis sponsorship underscores Kainantu Mining's broader commitment to community engagement, youth empowerment and promotion of health and well-being through sports.

Rugby league continues to serve as a vital platform for bringing people together, fostering discipline and providing pathways for talented young athletes throughout the region.

"We have especially proud that our support may contribute even in a small way,to the greater PNG NRL BID Pathway and the National sporting aspirations of Papua New Guinea," K92 Mine CEO John Lewins said.