Four athletes inducted into PNG Sports Hall of Fame

Four athletes were inducted into the PNG Sports Hall of Fame on Friday night at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.

The inductees are swimmer Anna Liza Mopio Jane and athletics trio Salome Dell, Nelson Stone, and Mowen Boino.

Olympian Anna Liza Mopio Jane was honoured for her achievements as a female swimmer representing PNG at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. She made history at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, becoming the first PNG female swimmer to reach the semi-finals in both the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke.

Hurdler Mowen Boino, a three-time Olympian, is regarded as one of the Pacific’s top athletes during his era. He holds the national record of 50.37 seconds in the 400m hurdles, set at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the fastest ever by a Pacific Islander.

Middle-distance runner Salome Dell was recognised as one of PNG’s most successful athletes in the 800m and 1500m. Her standout performance came at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where she set the national 800m record of 2:03.53, which still stands today.

Sprinter Nelson Stone, who transitioned from taekwondo to athletics at 16, represented PNG at the 2012 London Olympics. Post-retirement, he continues to mentor young athletes through his NEST Athletics Club.

The 2025 PNG Sports Hall of Fame induction was supported by Vodafone.