Three great squash players from Papua New Guinea (PNG) have just joined the Professional Squash Association (PSA), which is a ground-breaking development for the sport and a big step forward for the country and the PNG Squash arena.
The PNG Squash Racket Federation President, Lady Anna Togolo, acknowledged her excitement for this accomplishment and emphasized the possibility of future expansion and success.
“This is the first time that Papua New Guinea squash has had three representatives in the PSA,” said Lady Togolo.
“We see this as just the beginning of a promising journey, with several talented juniors emerging in our ranks.”
Joshua Porter, one of the three athletes, joined the PSA in 2023 after growing out of the junior division.
Amity Alarcos and Feanor Siaguru, who both recently joined the PSA, will be accompanying him.
Based in Brisbane since early 2023, Alarcos also represents the PNG Squash Racket Federation’s elite girls’ squad as the KPMG brand ambassador.
The federation’s strategic plans were presented by Lady Togolo, who highlighted the importance of developing talent for upcoming international events.
“Our elite girls’ squad, formed in 2023, aims to prepare a team for the 2027 Tahiti Pacific Games,” she explained.
“With players like Amity Alarcos leading the charge, we are optimistic about our prospects.”
The recent triumph of Feanor Siaguru in the Mulgrave competition in Melbourne highlights PNG squash’s increasing stature in the global arena.
“Feanor’s impressive performance, securing a sixth-place ranking in a competitive field, reflects the dedication and skill of our athletes,” she remarked.
While acknowledging the difficulties squash has experienced on a global scale, Lady Togolo noted that interest in the sport has increased, especially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She attributed the resurgence of interest in squash in PNG to the competitors’ outstanding performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Lady Togolo gave an overview of forthcoming competitions and programs that will encourage grassroots involvement and talent development.
These include the Queensland Junior Open, the Oceania Junior Championship, and the Australian Junior Open, which give PNG’s potential squash players a chance to compete on a national and international level.
She emphasized the federation’s grassroots squash promotion initiatives in addition to its competitive events.
“Every Saturday morning at the Port Moresby Racquets Club, beginners are welcome to experience squash firsthand,” she shared.
“We aim to inspire a new generation of players, nurturing them through our junior development programs towards national and international success.”
PNG squash looks to have a bright future with a clear strategy and a talented athlete base, ready to make more strides on the regional and international scenes.
“We’re witnessing an exciting chapter in the history of Papua New Guinea squash, and we’re dedicated to building on this momentum for greater success in the years to come,” Lady Togolo succinctly stated.