The Oceania Athletic Association has selected nineteen athletes for the Melanesian team that will compete at the Oceania Cup on October 30-31 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga including nine of the athletes to represent Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The Oceania Cup is a team competition that will feature teams from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, with all three teams fully funded by the Oceania AA.
Teams from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Regional Australia, and Hawaii are also expected to participate. Each team can have up to ten male and ten female athletes.
The events at the competition will include:
- Sprints and Mid-Distance: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m.
- Hurdles: 100m/110m hurdles and 400m hurdles.
- Jumps: Long jump, triple jump, and high jump.
- Throws: Javelin, shot put, discus, and hammer throw.
The Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia teams were chosen by the Oceania AA based on nominations from national federations and recent performances.
Due to limited spots and the requirement that all Melanesian countries be represented, some top athletes were not selected.
However, PNG athletes were chosen to fill spots in events where the region’s depth is not as strong.
The PNG athletes selected for the Melanesian team are:
- Male: Pais Wisil (100m, 200m), Daniel Baul (400m, 400m hurdles), Jiuteis Robinson (1500m, 3000m), Karo Iga (High Jump, shot put), Lucas Osida (discus, Javelin), and Lakona Gerega (Javelin).
- Female: Scholastica Herman (800m, 1500m), Nicklyne Kalua (1500m, 3000m), and Raylyne Kanam (400m hurdles).
Meanwhile, Brett Green will manage the men’s team for Melanesia, and Vaciseva Tavaga of Fiji will manage the women’s team.