PNG’s Leading Taekwondo Club - Kassman Taekwondo, along with two of PNG's Olympians, are preparing for their inaugural training and competition tour in China and Thailand over the next five months. PNG Olympians Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman are departing from PNG for what can be described as a ground-breaking training and competition tour of Asia - the first of its kind for KTC and the country's Taekwondo athletes and coaches. Founder and Head Coach of the Kassman Taekwondo Club Master Edward Kassman, confirmed that the two athletes will spend over two months overseas, preparing for the upcoming World Championships and the Grand Slam set to take place in Wuxi, China from October 25th till November 4th this year. “We’re just here to shine a light on Kevin and Gibson as they head off to China and Thailand. This will be their first-time training outside the region, and it's a big deal for PNG.” Chongqing, China is where the athletes will begin training under a top Chinese taekwondo coach and will continue training in Thailand with another one of Asia’s best taekwondo coaches. This global exposure is expected to enhance their performance in preparation for the World Championships taking place from October 24–27. Kassman disclosed that this marks PNG’s fourth participation in the World Championships, and if everything proceeds smoothly, the athletes will also take part in the Grand Slam tournament scheduled for November 2–4. “None of our PNG athletes have ever competed in the Grand Slam before. It’s a high-level tournament where athletes can win prize money but for us, it's all about learning and building experience toward the 2028 Olympic Games.” IBS University through the support of Sir Mick Nades and his company, are sponsoring the entire trips including flights, accommodation, and training. “We’re extremely thankful to Sir Mick and IBS University for believing in our athletes and helping make this preparation phase possible.” The athletes are anticipated to return to PNG approximately in mid-November, after which additional training strategies will be formulated based on sponsorship backing, with a chance that a third PNG athlete will accompany them for the World Championships and will be verified shortly. This tour marks a significant step in PNG Taekwondo’s long-term goal of preparing a strong team for future international competitions such as the 2027 Pacific Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.