Papua New Guinea Kick Boxing Federation returns with exciting events lined up for this year after holding off most of its events in the past two and half years due to the global Covid 19 pandemic. PNG Kickboxing President and retired World Champion Stanley Nandex stated in an interview with PNG Hausbung that kickboxing is a worldwide sport and covid pandemic has put all its national, regional and international fights on halt but this year the federation has being given clearance by the Kick Boxing Federation Head Office to commence of its events. “I urge all Regional and Provincial Presidents and members to restart your programs and prepare your fighters to qualify for the major events this year including the world championships and Title Fights,” said Nandex. Mr Nandex stated that its first ever event would be the Regional Championships starting with the Kokoda Track2 Kickboxing Showdown which will be happening outside of Port Moresby at the Correctional Service Training College from 24th -25th March. “This event is strictly for Southern Region fighters, while the Highlands Regional Championship is set for April in Goroka, New Guinea Islands locked in for May in Rabaul and Momase in June in Wewak,” he stated. The winners from these regional tournaments will be selected for the national championships in September to qualify for the world championships. Furthermore, PNG Female kickboxing league has been established as well to manage all female fighters to be part of the major draw card this year. “The PNG Female Kickboxing League will also be managing the current international titles belt holder Jessy Gonopa who will be taking on European champion Alexitra in the intercontinental middle weight title which will be in September,” said Nandex. "Inclusion of female kickboxing league is to empower women and girls to use this platform to raise role models as well," he stated. “Law and order has being our major hindrance and setback to the country’s development therefore I am appealing to all relevant authorities and the government to support Kickboxing as development partners which not only develop great sports men and women but with its strict discipline ethic can also change mindsets,” he said.