Soccer debuts in Madang’s remote Gama as governor’s cup draws record turnout

A weeklong Governor’s Cup tournament in Madang’s Gama village ended on Saturday with soccer played for the first time in the mountainous region along the Bismarck Range.

More than 48 teams competed across soccer and basketball, with thousands of villagers from Gama, Middle Ramu and nearby Jiwaka Province gathering for the event.

Organizers said the tournament marked the first time Gama hosted soccer at this scale. “This is a historic moment for us,” said Gama Sports Association chairman Vincent Karim. “Such an event was never held here before, and we are thankful to Governor Ramsey Pariwa.”

Community leaders praised the initiative, saying it gave young people an outlet. “Sports will unite our youths and keep them away from lawlessness,” said Boniface Aiwa, a local leader.

In the men’s soccer final, Binak 2 defeated Dumuai Dwellers to claim the Governor’s Cup and a cash prize of K2,000. The Dwellers received K1,500, while third-placed K.O. Particles and fourth-placed JRN Singai 2 earned K1,000 and K700 respectively.

On the basketball court, A.D.K 1 emerged victorious in the women’s division, taking home K1,000. T.S.A secured second place and K800, while K.O. Particles and A.D.K 2 finished third and fourth.

Governor’s Office Project Officer Stanley Soma urged the Gama Sports Association to register formally so the provincial government can provide long-term financial backing. “Governor Pariwa has already committed to continue the Governor’s Cup next year,” he said.

The Gama leg is part of a province-wide tournament. Finals have already been completed in North Ambenob, Nahu-Rawa in Raikos, and Bundi LLGs. South Ambenob’s competition is currently underway at Wara Tanget fiel