Four young athletes; Kondup Samson Wailo, Mark Sondo, Nelson Samson Wailo, and Clinton Hanku will be representing Papua New Guinea in Sydney, Australia on the 5th of December at the World Kickboxing Championships.

Thanks to the assistance of The National Youth Development Authority in partnership with the PNG Kick Boxing Federation, these youngsters will be participating not just in the World Championships but also pre-championship fights leading to the main event starting on November 28th.

Hanku will kick off the first international fight in the 67kg. Meanwhile his fellow athletes will partake later in the 88kg (Nelson Samson Wailo), 94kg (Kondup Samson Wailo) and 96kg (Mark Sondo).

The Director General of the National Youth Development Authority, Mr. Joe Itaki, expressed his gratitude to PNG Kick Boxing Federation President, Mr. Stanley Nandex, for providing second-chance opportunities to youth through kickboxing.

He emphasized that involving young people, particularly those at the grassroots level, in constructive activities like sports not only exposes them to new opportunities but also offers economic benefits, helping them sustain their livelihoods.

This initiative aligns with the new National Youth Engagement Strategy, and the travel support provided by the NYDA highlights the positive impact of their ongoing partnership with the PNGKBF.

It aims to create valuable opportunities for youth, promoting national pride, international exposure, and community leadership through sports.